Dharma-shankha-samadhi Mañjushri
  See it in the Museum
Chapel
Orientation 2
Display 4

ABS 053

 Code: ABS 053

  Country: Tibet (central)

  Style: Late Pala Style

  Date: 1150 - 1250

  Dimensions in cm WxHxD: 7 x 11.6 x 4.2

  Materials: Brass

Mañjushri as Dharmashankha-Samadhi

Sitting legs crossed in meditation on a lotus pedestal, the bodhisattva holds his hands joined in his lap in the gesture of contemplation. Young and handsome, he is adorned with the royal attire of the divine manifestation, his head surrounded by a pointy aureole. Two flowers blooming by his shoulders flank him, supporting a manuscript of the Prajñaparamita or “Perfection of wisdom” to his right and a half vajra to his left. This manifestation corresponds to Dharmashankha-Samadhi, a rare form of Mañjushri, bodhisattva of wisdom.

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.