Five Forms of Manjushri (Main figures)

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 is known as Vadisimha Manjushri, literally meaning ‘Manjushri Lion’s Roar’, as he rides on a lion. This name actually refers to variety of Manjushri’s classical forms. In some forms Manjushri holds a sword like in this depiction and in others, he forms the Dharmachakra (Wheel of Dharma) mudra at his heart. The most famous depiction of Manjushri Lion’s Roar can be found prominently featured in temples on Mount Wu Tai, also known as the Five Peaks of Manjushri.

The great scholar and Tibetan Buddhist master, Je Tsongkhapa is said to have appeared in the form of Manjushri Lion’s Roar in a pure vision (one of five visions) to his heart disciple, Khedrub Je. There are also a number of depictions of Manjushri Lion’s Roar at the Manjushri Chapel in Sakya, Tibet which has contributed to the prevalence Manjushri’s worship in this form.

Orange Manjushri is widely regarded as the main form of Manjushri and therefore, the most common depiction of the deity. He carries in his hands the two iconic emblems of Manjushri: the flaming wisdom sword representing the great ability of wisdom to cut asunder ignorance and the Perfection of the Wisdom Sutra resting on a lotus held by the other hand, representing the highest wisdom, the emptiness of inherent existence.

The orange colour of his skin represents the growth and proliferation of wisdom, clarity, merits, memory, eloquence, knowledge and the arts in practitioners. He is also called the Lord of Awakened Speech, which reveals his special ability to purify the negative karma of one’s speech and the development of a powerful ability to influence others positively into the Dharma.

This is another popular emanation of Manjushri, whose name is derived from an ancient Tantric text that literally means ‘Chanting the Names of Manjushri’ or ‘Manjushri Namasamgiti’ which contains the various names of Manjushri. Aside from carrying the usual emblems of the burning wisdom sword and the Perfection of Wisdom text, he also carries a bow and an arrow with his other two hands. These signify the union of method and wisdom needed to reach enlightenment, something which his practice develops.

This form of Manjushri and his practice originates in 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.

According to the Charya and Yoga Tantras, Manjushri first emanated in this form as a retinue deity in the mandala of the Buddha Vairochana. A popular meditational deity, the practice of Black Manjushri arrived in Tibet from India through the efforts of Bari Lotsawa Rinchen Drag (1040-1112). Black Manjushri’s practice is known to be highly effective in the wrathful purification of ignorance and negative karma. His practice is also said to be highly effective against negative interferences, spirits, zombies, harmful nagas and other malevolent forces.

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.

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