Manjushri

Manjushri
Originally uploaded by shinyu32.

Kort's birthday gift to me this morning was a deity pendant of Manjushri. Who is Manjushri?

The Sanskrit name Manjushri is variously interpreted to mean "wonderfully auspicious," or "sweetly glorious." However, in Tibetan his name Jampel-yang (contracted to Jamyang) means "gentle friend." In Chinese, he is called Wen Shu Shi Li; in Japanese, Monju.

Manjushri is a Bodhisattva who represents wisdom, and his mantra also symbolizes that quality. He holds a sword in his right hand -- symbolizing his ability to cut through delusion. In his left hand, by his heart, he holds a book -- the Perfection of Wisdom teaching.