Mañjushri and Vajrapani as assistant Bodhisattvas
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Chapel
Orientation 1
Wall object 4

ABS 018

 Code: ABS 018

  Country: Tibet (central)

  Style: Nepalese School

  Date: 1500 - 1600

  Dimensions in cm WxHxD: 18.1 x 48.5 x 2.3

  Materials: Hammered copper

Manjushri and Vajrapani as assistant bodhisattvas

These two repoussé gilt copper panels represent two of the most famous bodhisattvas: Vajrapani and Mañjushri. Standing on lotus seats in slightly bent postures, Vajrapani displays the gestures of generosity and of argumentation, holding the stalk of lotus flower blooming by his shoulders. Mañjushri looks almost identical, performing the protection and generosity gestures. The flowers support their attributes, allowing their identification: a vajra for Vajrapani and a sword for Mañjushri.
Surrounded by vegetal scrolls, they stand inside a throne structure and were surrounding a buddha or a deity.

Respectively embodying the awakened energy and the buddhas’s wisdom, these two bodhisattva are often encountered in Budhist art.

Bodhisattvas are the “heroes for enlightenment.” These advanced practitioners are motivated by compassion, and strive to help all sentient beings to attain liberation on their path to perfect Buddhahood. Their royal adornments symbolise the quality of their spiritual realisation.