Tibet
19th century
The right hand is extended in a giving gesture.
Tibet
19th century
Manjushri is the Bodhisattva of Wisdom, who is believed to reside on the sacred mountain Wutaishan. White Manjushri corresponds to the form of Manjushri that inhabits Wutaishan’s southern terrace, where he is called Jnanasattva. His peak is made of semiprecious stones and is associated with the realm of the Buddha Ratnasambhava. Here he is depicted as an eight-year-old youth, white, like the autumn moon, with his hair tied into five tufts. The Perfection of Wisdom Sutra (Prajnaparamita Sutra) is supported by an utpala blossom at his left shoulder. As described in early liturgical texts, below the deity’s lotus throne a pair of elephants plays in the water.The Tibetan painter’s choices of color create a remarkable effect in this painting. The deep blue of the sky combined with the soft warm orange of the nimbus overlaid with fine lines of gold contrasts with the cool luminous white of the bodhisattva’s body, causing it to shine forth like moonlight, just as he is described in his liturgy.
The right hand is extended in a giving gesture.
Also known as vajra position, this posture is associated with meditation.
A virtuous feeling and deep respect toward an authentic teaching, teacher, or path. Buddhists believe that expansive study, analysis, and meditation are essential steps for cultivating a healthy and enduring devotion.
A meditation technique primarily used in tantric practice that involves imagining a deity in one’s mind or imagining oneself becoming a deity and carrying out various activities. Such techniques are intended to help a practitioner transform ordinary perception and achieve enlightened qualities.
The antidote to ignorance, with the highest form of wisdom being an understanding of the true nature of reality and all phenomena. In Buddhism studying the nature of interdependence and emptiness is considered an important step for attaining wisdom.
Beings who aspire to become fully awakened like the Buddha and are dedicated to helping others on the path to enlightenment.
Today, Tibetans primarily inhabit the Tibetan Plateau, situated between the Himalayan mountain range and the Indian subcontinent to the west, Chinese cultural regions to the east, and Mongolian cultural regions to the northeast. During the 7th to 9th century, Tibetan rulers expanded their empire across Central Asia, and established Buddhism as the state religion.
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