The origins of our Manjushri statue arise in the Prajnaparamita Sutra. This venerable Mahayana Buddhist text took a full 7 centuries to complete. Additionally, it establishes the Mahayana foundation of insight wisdom. The features of our Manjushri statue are also established on the foundation of wisdom. However, this type of wisdom is not from book learning. Insight wisdom can only be developed by practicing insight meditation. As a result, advanced practitioners can see into an elusive world that mundane life is unable to see and understand.
The sword that Manjushri is wielding over his right shoulder is known as the “sword of perfected wisdom”. However, it is used as an intricate tool and not as a weapon of brute force. The method is non-violent and the objective is to convert the darkness of ignorance into the light of wisdom.
The left hand of Manjushri is depicting the protection mudra and the stem of the lotus flower is held between the index finger and thumb. Additionally, our Manjushri statue is elaborately dressed in the crown and jewels of a Bodhisattva. Indeed, Manjushri is one of the most venerable Bodhisattvas similar to Avalokitesvara.
