This week’s meditation session is led by Elaine Retholtz and the theme is Clarity. The guided meditation begins at 10:35.

Manjushri is one of the most represented figures in Tibetan art and is revered in all Tibetan Buddhist traditions. He is both a tantric bodhisattva and a deity associated with wisdom, embodying the wisdom of all awakened beings. His name translates as “Gentle Glory.”

Manjushri is often portrayed bearing a flaming sword in his right hand. This sword of wisdom, which symbolizes separating truth from illusion, is a powerful visual reminder for practitioners to focus their mind on the path to clarity.

In this peaceful depiction of Manjushri, his right hand is in the mudra of supreme generosity. He holds the stem of a lotus (utpala) flower in his left hand. The Perfection of Wisdom (Prajnaparamita) Sutra is resting on the blossom of the lotus flower.

It is taught that Manjushri resides on the sacred Mount Wutai. The white form of Manjushri is specifically associated with the southern terrace of Mount Wutai. Manjushri’s peak is made of semiprecious stones and is associated with the realm of the Ratnasambhava, one of the Five Wisdom Buddhas in Vajrayana and Tibetan Buddhism. A pair of elephants playing in the water beneath Manjushri lend a touch of whimsy to the scene.

A remarkable feature of the painting is the luminosity of Manjushri. The fine lines of gold contrast with the cool white tones of the bodhisattva’s body. Prayers and supplications to Manjushri describe him as shining forth like moonlight. As we behold Manjushri, let us reflect on how we can develop greater clarity in our own lives.