Manjushri Namasamgiti – The Lord of Wisdom
Manjushri Namasamgiti (Main figure)
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(Top to bottom): Manjushri Namasamgiti and Dorje Shugden
Deity: Manjushri Namasamgiti (Sanskrit)
Alternative name: Jampel Yang Tsenjod (Tibetan)
Manjushri is the patron Buddha of Wisdom. In one of his right hands, he holds a flaming wisdom sword which cuts away the roots of ignorance from our lives and in one of his left hands, he holds the Perfection of Wisdom (Prajnaparamita) text. This text is symbolic of his practice granting wisdom, insight and merit. Manjushri is frequently featured in sutras because he is known to have asked important spiritual questions, which Lord Buddha answered by giving extremely beneficial teachings.
The Manjushri Namasamgiti teaching is regarded as one of the most advanced teachings given by Buddha Shakyamuni. It represents the pinnacle of all of Buddha Shakyamuni’s teachings on non-dual tantra. According to tradition, the teachings contained in this treatise were given by Buddha Shakyamuni for his disciple Vajrapani and his wrathful retinue. At the heart of this treatise is the Bodhisattva Manjushri as the embodiment of all knowledge and it lists his various epithets, names and forms. Amongst these is a central form of Manjushri which has since become known by the name of the treatise itself. The form depicted here in this thangka follows one of the Gelug tradition’s presentations of Manjushri Namasamgiti.
Deity: Dorje Shugden (Tibetan)
Alternative name: Vajra Rudra (Sanskrit)
Dorje Shugden is an emanation of the Buddha of Wisdom, Manjushri. He took the form of a Dharma Protector in order to safeguard the Buddha’s teachings, especially the important teachings on the Middle Way View. Reminiscent of Manjushri’s form, Dorje Shugden carries a meandering sword and rides a snowlion that represents the fearlessness of a fully enlightened Buddha. Thus, he has great strength to overcome obstacles of the body, speech and mind, and create suitable conditions for our spiritual practice to flourish. Furthermore, he carries a jewel-spitting mongoose and a vajra hook to symbolise that he has the tremendous ability to bestow wealth and resources.
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Manjushri is a Bodhisattva who represents wisdom, and his mantra also symbolizes that quality. He will purifies mental defilements and generates wisdom by dispelling the darkness of ignorance. Manjusri practice is said to very beneficial. In this beautiful thangka Manjushri Namasamgiti is depicted with the Powerful Dharma Protector Dorje Shugden to safeguard the Buddha’s teachings.
Thank you Rinpoche for this wonderful sharing.