White Manjushri – Who Pacifies Ignorance
White Manjushri (Main figure)
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(Top to bottom): White Manjushri and Dorje Shugden
Deity: White Manjushri
Alternative names: Jampel Karpo (Tibetan); Sita Manjushri (Sanskrit); Siddhaikavira (Sanskrit); White Arapachana Manjushri (English)
Manjushri is the patron Buddha of Wisdom. In his right hand, he holds a flaming wisdom sword which cuts away the roots of ignorance from our lives and in his left hand, he holds the stem of a lotus on top of which rests a Perfection of Wisdom Text. This text is symbolic of his practice granting wisdom, insight and merit. He is closely associated with Avalokiteshvara and Vajrapani as they are part of the trinity known as Rigsum Gonpo (Three Protectors). Manjushri also belongs to a group of deities that are known as the Eight Bodhisattva Disciples of Lord Buddha, alongside Avalokiteshvara, Vajrapani, Maitreya and others. 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.
This form of Manjushri and his practice originates from the Siddhaikavira Mahatantraraja or the Solitary White Manjushri Tantra. Although there are a number of lineages of White Manjushri’s practice, the name generally refers to this specific form. White symbolises the pacification of ignorance. Hence, White Manjushri is popularly worshipped in the monasteries in order to gain higher insight into the Buddha’s teachings and to develop the special wisdom of debate.
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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Amazing and beautiful thangka of White Manjushri and Dorje Shugden for free downloads! Celebrating the power of the wisdom of all Buddhas!
White representing the pacification of ignorance, White Manjushri is popularly worshipped in the monasteries in order to gain higher insight into the Buddha’s teachings and to develop the special wisdom of debate.
Dorje Shugden , an emanation of Wisdom Buddha Manjushri, took the form of a Dharma Protector in order to safeguard the Buddha’s teachings, especially the important Wisdom teachings on the Middle Way View. He has great strength to overcome obstacles of the body, speech and mind, and create suitable conditions for our spiritual practice to flourish.
What a powerful combination of Wisdom Manjushri and Wisdom Dharma Protector Dorje Shugden!