Manjushri is a bodhisattva associated with wisdom. He is typically depicted holding a sword to cut through ignorance and a lotus or scroll containing Buddhist teachings. Manjushri chose to remain on earth to help others achieve enlightenment. He is sometimes shown alongside Buddha and the Bodhisattva of Compassion, Avalokiteshvara. A story illustrates how compassion without wisdom can be foolish, and wisdom without compassion can be harsh.

1. Allan Roman Reyes
Object Fact Sheet
Himalayan Gallery
Object description:
Manjushri
Manjushri is a bodhisattva associated with Wisdom and is usually found with a
sword he holds in his right hand to cut through the veil of ignorance, and a lotus or a
scroll with the Buddha’s knowledge in his left. Manjushri is shown seated in the
lotus position with crown and the trappings of princely jewelry signifying the
bodhisattva’s choice of staying on the earthly plane to help others.
Why was the object created?
Many Buddhist practitioners believe in Buddha and their helpers, the bodhisattvas.
Manjushri is sometimes found in a triad with Shakyamuni Buddha and the
Bodhisattva of Compassion, Avalokiteshvara. An oft-told example illustrates the
relationship of the two virtues of Wisdom and Compassion. Suppose a homeless
person asking for a handout approaches you. You give him some money-which he
promptly spends on something bad. You have been compassionate, but not wise. So
the next time you are approached, you give nothing; now you have been wise, but
not compassionate. What is the solution? Buy him some food. This is wise and
compassionate. Compassion without wisdom is foolish; wisdom without
compassion is harsh.
Bibliography:
McArthur, Meher: Reading Buddhist Art, Thames & Hudson, London, 2002

2. Website: http://mybuddhadharma.blogspot.com/2010/10/manjusri-gentle-glory-
bodhisattva.html
Vocabulary:
Your Goal: I want to introduce students to the idea of Buddha’s helpers, the
Bodhisattvas. I want to introduce the concept that anyone can be a bodhisattva.
A final story of Manjusri's power: Once five hundred monks were able to see their
pasts, and discovered that they had committed atrocities. They came to doubt that
they would ever achieve Enlightenment. Sensing this, the Buddha called on Manjusri
to instruct them. Manjusri instantly pulled out his sword and placed it at the
Buddha's neck. The monks instantly grasped his point: the mind is illusory. There is
no sword, no Buddha, no Manjusri-therefore there was no crimes, no criminals, and
no victims. With his sword of truth Manjusri cut through the illusion and showed
them reality as it really is.
Script:
I want to introduce you to some of Buddha’s closest friends and helpers. They’re
called the Bodhisattvas. Now who knows what a saint is? (Answers vary) Well, a
saint is a term given to someone who is very holy, or very close to God. You can
think of bodhisattvas the same way. Bodhisattvas looked different from most
Buddha images because of the jewelry they wore. Here you can see some examples
of crowns and headdresses. Can you spot other Buddha and bodhisattvas? Also,
what do you think it takes to be or become a saint? (Lead to compassion; allowing
oneself to feel deeply for another)
One of these bodhisattvas is named Avalokiteshvara. He was the bodhisattva of
Compassion. Who knows what compassion is? (Answers vary) You can think of
compassion as feeling for others, or sympathy. Take a look at his image here. What
can you tell me about Avalokiteshvara’s image? (Answers vary) Avalokiteshvara
hears the cries of humans and works tirelessly to help those who call upon his name
as shown by his many arms (and mudras). Do you or do you know anyone that
prays or asks for help to higher beings or Angels? Who do you call on?
Another of Buddha’s friends was the bodhisattva Manjushri. You can see him here in
all his glory wielding his sword. He is the Bodhisattva of Wisdom. His sword is used
to cut through man’s ignorance and show reality as it is, using Buddha’s teachings
(prajnaparamita, Treatise on Transcendent Wisdom) in his other hand. Who can
help locate Manjushri or other bodhisattva around the museum?