Size: Height 60cm high, width 46cm
Very beautiful Thangka of Arapachana Manjushree, the bodhisattva that represents the wisdom of all the buddhas of the ten directions and three times. The left hand holds a stem of uttapala lotus with a book on the top of the flower representing the prajnaparamita (the Mahayana sutra about emptiness). In his right hand, a flaming sword representing the realization of transcendent wisdom which cuts down ignorance and duality. The legs are folded in vajra posture.
Object literature: Mañjuśrī is a bodhisattva associated with prajñā (insight) in Mahayana Buddhism. In Tibetan Buddhism, he is also a yidam. His name means "Gentle Glory". Mañjuśrī is often depicted as riding on a blue lion or sitting on the skin of a lion. This represents the use of wisdom to tame the mind, which is compared to riding or subduing a ferocious lion. In Tibetan Buddhism, Mañjuśrī is sometimes depicted in a trinity with Avalokiteśvara and Vajrapāṇi.
Object history: From a Tibetan collection dating back to 1950.