Standing Mañjushri – Bodhisattva of Wisdom
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Orientation 2
Display 2

ABS 063

 Code: ABS 063

  Country: Tibet (central)

  Style:

  Date: 1050 - 1150

  Dimensions in cm WxHxD: 4.7 x 15 x 4

  Materials: Brass

Standing Mañjushri – Bodhisattva of Wisdom

Standing on a small oval pedestal in a slightly bent posture, the bodhisattva brandishes a sword with his right hand while the left holds the stalk of a blue waterlily blooming by his shoulder. These attributes identifies him as Mañjushri, bodhisattva of wisdom. Young and handsome, he is adorned with the royal attire of the divine manifestations, his long hair tied in an intricate topknot.

It is possible that this image originally belonged to the group of the “Protectors of the Three Spiritual Families” along with Avalokiteshvara and Vajrapani (see ABS 112). A rather unusual feature, Mañjushri holds his sword behind his back instead of above his head, perhaps because of his high topknot.

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.