Manjushri the Bodhisattva of Wisdom

Manjushri Bodhisattva of Wisdom Acala tapestry

With a flaming sword held aloft and the visage of a fresh-faced boy, Manjushri the Bodhisattva of Wisdom strikes an imposing figure.

Manjushri is a preeminent figure in Buddhist traditions from India to Japan. The various symbols with which he is depicted, including his sword and seemingly perpetual youth, are all bound to his renown as a bearer of wisdom and insight.

From Sanskrit, the name Manjushri means “Gentle Glory,” or “Sweet Glory.” This is an abbreviated version of the longer name Manjushrikumarabhatu, which can mean either “Prince Manjushri” or “Manjushri Still a Youth.”

In the Buddhist canon, he appears in some of the earliest Mahayana Sutras (scriptures), dating back to the first or second centuries CE. Manjushri begins to show up in Buddhist art and sculpture around 400 CE.

Manjushri Bodhisattva of Wisdom statue from Nepal — Nepalese Manjushri statue from 1400s. Cleveland Museum of Art.

Manjushri in the Buddhist canon

According to scholars, the earliest scriptural and historical accounts of Manjushri the Bodhisattva of Wisdom can be muddy. Unlike other early Buddhist figures whose stories are marked by progress towards Bodhisattva status, Manjushri appears as a “fully-formed” Bodhisattva.

A Bodhisattva is an enlightened being who postpones their own nirvana to aid others in their spiritual journey.

Scholars and teachers have investigated various historic and scriptural links to Manjushri and other Buddhist figures to establish a clear origin, but several theories persist.

Within the Buddhist canon, Manjushri embodies prajna or wisdom, and endeavors to spread the dharma (teachings) to all. He is a great speaker and interlocutor, who converses about the dharma with all, including the Buddha.

As a symbol of divine wisdom, Manjushri is the focus of meditation and devotion by many Buddhist practitioners. Devotees who invoke prayers, sutras, and mantras associated with Manjushri hope to instill his wisdom and spiritual insight.

Manjushri may also take on other forms or avatars, including that of Acala, a wrathful protector and fierce warrior.

Chinese Manjushri Bodhisattva of Wisdom statue — Chinese Manjushri statue from the Ming Dynasty. Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Manjushri in art

Depictions of Manjushri in Buddhist art are varied, reflecting the cultural and regional diversity of Buddhist practice. However, his iconography remains remarkably consistent, emphasizing his attributes of wisdom and enlightenment.

Manjushri often takes on the appearance of a youthful, radiant figure, symbolizing the timeless nature of wisdom.

He often holds a flaming sword in his right hand, which represents the sharpness of wisdom that cuts through ignorance and delusion. His left hand often holds a lotus flower, atop which rests the Prajnaparamita Sutra, a key text in Mahayana Buddhism that expounds on the nature of wisdom and emptiness.

In Tibetan Buddhist art, he appears in intricate thangkas (scroll paintings) and statues, sometimes surrounded by other bodhisattvas and deities. While East Asian art, particularly in China and Japan, may depict Manjushri riding a lion, symbolizing the fearless and powerful nature of wisdom.

Youthful Manjushri Bodhisattva of Wisdom statue — The youthful or Princely Manjushri. Nepal – 1400s. Cleveland Museum of Art.

Symbols associated with Manjushri the Bodhisattva of Wisdom

Flaming Sword: Manjushri holds aloft a flaming sword in his right hand. This sword symbolizes the wisdom that cuts through ignorance and illusion, bringing the light of knowledge and enlightenment.
Lotus Flower: In his left hand, Manjushri often holds a lotus flower. The lotus represents purity and spiritual awakening, emerging unstained from the mud, symbolizing the potential for enlightenment in all beings.
Book or Scroll (Prajnaparamita Sutra): Manjushri often holds a book or scroll, which represents the Prajnaparamita Sutra, a key Mahayana Buddhist scripture. This symbolizes the profound wisdom and knowledge of the Dharma. Sometimes the book or scroll is blank, indicating the primacy of the teaching of emptiness.
Lion: Manjushri sometimes appears riding a lion, symbolizing his princely and fearless nature. The lion represents strength, courage, and the power of his wisdom.
Wisdom Sword (Mantra): Sometimes, a mantra or syllable such as “Dhi” is associated with Manjushri. This represents the essence of wisdom and is often used in meditation practices to invoke Manjushri’s blessings.
Youthful Appearance: Manjushri will sometimes appear as a young prince, symbolizing eternal youth and the freshness of enlightened wisdom. This youthful appearance also signifies the importance of maintaining a beginner’s mind in the pursuit of wisdom.