See It In Your Home
In
the garbhadhatu mandala, Manjushri is the name of the four boddhisattvas
associated with Vairocana. He is placed to the southwest and is seated on a
white lotus. TheĀ sculptureĀ of him that you see on this
page depicts the Bodhisattva in his traditionalĀ iconography. The most incomparable aspect of Manjushri
is the flaming sword he wields in his right hand. He raises it high above his
head as if to bring it down any moment now. The fingers of the left hand are
gathered in the Vitaraka mudraĀ afore his stately chest, streams ofĀ goldĀ and jewels
and sashes of silk cascading down its gracious length. From the crease of his
left elbow emerges a mythical flower with petals of gold and rich pastel hues. The
brass statue with inlay work brings out pastel hues which is an eye-catching
contrast to the pale, silver of the Bodhisattvaās skin. Legs gathered in
a superfine padmasana. A composure of countenance so sublime, it is indicative
of the deepest recesses of contemplation. From the handsome features of that divine
face, this sculpture is in keeping with the style of Nepalese inlay work found
inĀ BuddhistĀ works of art.
Embrace Transcendent Wisdom
This exquisite brass statue embodies Manjushri, the Bodhisattva of Transcendent Wisdom, a revered figure in Tibetan Buddhism. Standing at 14 inches, this handmade creation from India is a masterpiece of artistry and spiritual significance. Manjushri is depicted in a meditative posture, seated gracefully upon a lotus throne, a symbol of purity and enlightenment. His serene countenance, with half-closed eyes, exudes an aura of profound contemplation and inner peace.
The statue is adorned with vibrant inlays of turquoise, lapis lazuli, and coral, meticulously set into the brass. The turquoise represents the sky and the boundless nature of wisdom, while the lapis lazuli symbolizes the depth of understanding and inner knowledge. The coral, with its fiery hue, signifies the power and passion that accompanies enlightened insight. These precious stones not only enhance the visual appeal of the statue but also imbue it with symbolic meaning, aligning with traditional Tibetan artistic practices.The Lord of Wisdom and His Attributes
Manjushri's iconography is rich with symbolism. In his right hand, he brandishes a flaming sword, representing the piercing of ignorance and delusion. This sword is not one of violence, but rather the sharp intellect that cuts through doubt and confusion, illuminating the path to truth. The flames symbolize the transformative power of wisdom, burning away obstacles to spiritual growth. In his left hand, he holds the stem of a lotus flower, upon which rests the Prajnaparamita Sutra, the Perfection of Wisdom scripture. This signifies that wisdom is not merely intellectual understanding but a profound realization of emptiness and the interconnectedness of all things.
His serene expression and the gesture of his left hand, often in the 'vitarka mudra' (gesture of teaching or argument), further emphasize his role as a guide and teacher. Manjushri is believed to grant intellect, courage, and clarity of thought to his devotees. He is invoked to overcome challenges, gain knowledge, and develop a deeper understanding of the Dharma. His presence is said to dispel darkness and bring forth the light of wisdom, making him an essential figure for anyone seeking spiritual and intellectual growth.A Legacy of Craftsmanship
Crafted with dedication by skilled artisans in India, this statue is a testament to generations of artistic tradition. The intricate details, from the elaborate crown adorning Manjushri's head to the delicate folds of his robes, showcase the mastery of the craft. The use of high-quality brass ensures its durability and longevity, allowing it to be a cherished object of devotion and a beautiful addition to any sacred space or home for years to come. The traditional methods employed in its creation ensure an authentic representation of this important deity, making it not just a decorative piece, but a conduit for spiritual energy and contemplation. Its substantial presence and the richness of its adornments invite a sense of reverence and a connection to the ancient traditions of Tibetan Buddhism.
Manjushri: The Wisdom-Bearer Bodhisattva
Manjushri, also known as Manjughosha, is one of the most revered
deities in Mahayana Buddhism. He is considered a male
Bodhisattva associated with or the embodiment of wisdom
(transcendental knowledge). The Sanskrit term Manjushri
translates to āsweet gloryā. The practitioners and followers of
Buddhism consider him a fully enlightened Buddha who is very
merciful towards all living entities of this material world.
They meditate upon his deity to develop his inner transcendental
qualities to advance in their spiritual consciousness and
journey. Manjushri is often compared with Hinduism and in some
traditions, Goddess Saraswati is said to be his consort.
Nepalese sculptures are famous for describing the form of
Bodhisattvas and the Manjushri is portrayed as a youthful man
riding on a lion or sometimes sitting on the skin of a lion. He
holds a flaming sword in his right hand while the scripture is
in his left hand. The scripture (PrajƱÄpÄramitÄ sutra)
represents transcendental knowledge and the sword symbolizes the
power of transcendental wisdom to cut down one's illusion and
duality.
Who is Manjushri in Buddhism?
Different traditions or sects of Buddhism have their own
understanding and reverence for Manjushri. In Mahayana Buddhism,
scholars identify him as the oldest and the most important
Bodhisattva who embodies transcendental wisdom. The followers of
Vajrayana Buddhism consider Manjushri an important meditational
deity who is a fully enlightened Buddha and disciples devote
themselves to him. In Tibetan Buddhism, the wrathful
manifestation of Manjushri (Yamantaka) is worshiped. He is also
known by different names in different countries and Buddhist
cultures. For instance, in China, Manjushri is known as Wenshu.
What is the significance of Manjushri?
In some Sutras of the Mahayana Buddhism scripture, Manjushri is
often mentioned discussing the wisdom of Dharma with Buddha.
Thus, it is believed that he inspires all the fallen souls of
this material world to take up knowledge, both material and
spiritual, that can develop good qualities in them. Those who
meditate upon the form of Manjushri and pray to him are blessed
with good spiritual learning skills that eventually help them to
advance further in their consciousness.
What is the power of Manjushri?
In Mahayana Buddhism, Manjushri is considered one of the four
principal Bodhisattvas; the three others are Bodhisattva
Ksitigarbha, Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara, and Bodhisattva
Samantabhadra. Bodhisattva Manjushri is very powerful and
therefore his followers chant the Manjushri mantra that blesses
them with inner wisdom and worldly knowledge. Those who
regularly chant the mantra experience the direct guidance of
Manjushri in their lives.
How to keep a Brass statue well-maintained?
Brass statues are known and appreciated for their exquisite beauty and luster. The brilliant bright gold appearance of Brass makes it appropriate for casting aesthetic statues and sculptures. Brass is a metal alloy composed mainly of copper and zinc. This chemical composition makes brass a highly durable and corrosion-resistant material. Due to these properties, Brass statues and sculptures can be kept both indoors as well as outdoors. They also last for many decades without losing all their natural shine.
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Brass statues can withstand even harsh weather conditions very well due to their corrosion-resistance properties. However, maintaining the luster and natural beauty of brass statues is essential if you want to prolong their life and appearance.
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- The best and simplest way to maintain a brass statue is to clean it at least twice a week using a soft cloth or cotton rag. This will prevent dust from accumulating on the surface. Dusting is especially important for outdoor statues since it is prone to dust accumulation much more than indoors.
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- To give a natural shine and luster to the statue, you may apply coconut or olive oil using cotton on every portion. You can use a toothbrush to get to the small crevices but do not be too harsh. This will make the brass statue appear fresh and new with a polishedĀ look.
In case you have a colored brass statue, you may apply mustard oil using a soft brush or clean cloth on the brass portion while for the colored portion of the statue, you may use coconut oil with a cotton cloth.Ā
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Brass idols of Hindu Gods and Goddesses are especially known for their intricate and detailed work of art. Nepalese sculptures are famous for small brass idols portraying Buddhist deities. These sculptures are beautified with gold gilding and inlay of precious or semi-precious stones. Religious brass statues can be kept at home altars. You can keep a decorative brass statue in your garden or roof to embellish the area and fill it with divinity.Ā
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