Handmade Manjushri statue

Another Bodhisattva who assumed an independent stature from early times, Manjushri symbolizes wisdom, as Avalokiteshvara does compassion. Since wisdom is a greatly honored quality in Buddhism, Manjushri’s position in the pantheon is among the highest. Manjushri is identified by three primary attributes: a sword he wields to cut through ignorance, a book (the Sutra of Transcendent Wisdom, the Prajnaparamita) and a lotus flower. Meandering across Manjusri’s torso is a double-stranded meditation cord symbolizing purity, it marks his status as a member of the Brahmin caste. He is seated in sharanagamana mudra or teaching gesture.