Medium: Gouache on cotton canvas
Dimensions: 33 x 46 cm
Year: 2023
Manjusri, the Bodhisattva of Wisdom, is depicted on a lotus throne, holding the sacred scripture “Prajnāparamita” and a flaming sword. According to the Svayambhu Purana, he and his consorts, Varada and Mokshada, migrated from Wutai San mountain to the lake Kalidaha, now Kathmandu Valley. They drained the lake to create a place for human beings to practice meritorious acts for perfect enlightenment. Wisdom, compassion, and skillful means to benefit all sentient beings are considered qualities of the fully enlightened mind. To attain Buddhahood, one must be perfect on the six perfections, with wisdom being the major perfection. Manjusri Bodhisattva is also worshipped as an image of speech by Newa Buddhists in Kathmandu Valley. His mantra, “Om Namo Vagisvaraya,” is believed to enhance memory, writing, and explaining capacity.
