This week’s meditation session is led by Michel Pascal and the theme is Discernment. The guided meditation begins at 23:24.

This sculpture, dating from the 11th century, was made in Kashmir or Himachal Pradesh, India. The art of Kashmir had a great influence on Tibetan Buddhist art, not only in terms of style but also in its depiction of early tantric deities.

Many of the earliest Himalayan bronzes depicting deities with multiple heads and limbs are from this region, including this six-armed, three-headed image of the meditation deity Manjuvajra, as described in the Secret Assembly (Guhyasamaja) Tantra. This sculpture has a number of elements that are characteristic of art from Kashmir, including a crown formed with three crescents, rosettes above the figure’s ear, and sophisticated inlays.

Manjuvajra is an esoteric form of Manjushri the bodhisattva of wisdom. Manjuvajra is wielding objects associated with Manjushri, Manjuvajra is a tantric form of Manjushri the bodhisattva of wisdom. Manjuvajra is wielding objects associated with Manjushri, including a sword for cutting through ignorance, a lily (utpala), and a bow and arrow. Two of his hands are crossed in a gesture representing the union of perfect wisdom and skillful means. This balance of opposing forces is attainable through the wisdom of discernment. As we behold Manjuvajra may we foster a greater sense of discernment within.