See It In Your Home
Standing in the
domain of ethereal creativity, like a whispered secret from the sky, is the
brass statue of the Tibetan Buddhist Deity Manjushri. Crafted by hand in the
very center of India, this revered work of art captures the spirit of
Manjushri, the bodhisattva of insight and light. This divine figure is brought
to life with each brushstroke of the artisan's hand, creating a calm atmosphere
conducive to reflection. The defender of enlightenment, Manjushri, brandishes
the sword of wisdom and is ready to sever the curtain of ignorance. This
monument embodies more than just a physical thing; it is a spiritual symphony,
a gateway to the deep realizations that Manjushri stands for, and a poetic
remembrance of the path to consciousness.
The Embodiment of Wisdom
Behold the serene visage of Manjushri, the Bodhisattva of Wisdom, captured in a stunning handmade brass statue. Crafted in India, this representation of Manjushri serves as a potent reminder of the path to enlightenment, intellectual prowess, and the pursuit of ultimate understanding. His presence radiates an aura of tranquility and deep insight. This intricately detailed statue embodies the grace and power of this revered deity, a perfect addition to any sacred space or collection.
The Prince of Dharma: A Tale of Incisive Intellect
Manjushri, whose name translates to "Gentle Glory," is a central figure in Mahayana Buddhism, revered across various traditions, including Tibetan Buddhism. Often depicted as a youthful prince, he embodies the perfect blend of wisdom and compassion. Legend recounts that Manjushri made a vow not to achieve final Nirvana until all beings reached enlightenment, underscoring his boundless compassion and dedication to the welfare of others.
One of the most iconic symbols associated with Manjushri is the flaming sword he wields, known as the *kharga*. This sword is not a weapon of destruction in the conventional sense; rather, it represents the power of discriminating wisdom that cuts through the web of ignorance, delusion, and attachment, the very obstacles that prevent us from seeing reality clearly. In his left hand, he holds a lotus flower, upon which rests a sacred text, usually the *Prajnaparamita Sutra*, representing the perfection of wisdom and the teachings that lead to liberation. His serene expression reflects the inner peace that comes from understanding the true nature of reality.
Craftsmanship and Devotion
Every curve and contour of this brass statue is a testament to the artisan's skill and devotion. The statue showcases Manjushri seated in the *vajrasana* posture, symbolizing stability and unwavering concentration. Notice the intricate detailing of his robes, his ornate jewelry, and the elaborate headdress, all meticulously rendered. The lotus base upon which he sits is adorned with classic Buddhist motifs, adding to the overall sense of sacredness and beauty. The warm, golden hue of the brass enhances the statue's visual appeal and imbues it with a sense of timelessness. Each piece is unique, bearing the subtle marks of the artisan's hand, making it a truly special and meaningful object to own.
Manjushri: The Wisdom-Bearer Bodhisattva
Manjushri, also known as Manjughosha, is one of the most revered
deities in Mahayana Buddhism. He is considered a male
Bodhisattva associated with or the embodiment of wisdom
(transcendental knowledge). The Sanskrit term Manjushri
translates to “sweet glory”. The practitioners and followers of
Buddhism consider him a fully enlightened Buddha who is very
merciful towards all living entities of this material world.
They meditate upon his deity to develop his inner transcendental
qualities to advance in their spiritual consciousness and
journey. Manjushri is often compared with Hinduism and in some
traditions, Goddess Saraswati is said to be his consort.
Nepalese sculptures are famous for describing the form of
Bodhisattvas and the Manjushri is portrayed as a youthful man
riding on a lion or sometimes sitting on the skin of a lion. He
holds a flaming sword in his right hand while the scripture is
in his left hand. The scripture (Prajñāpāramitā sutra)
represents transcendental knowledge and the sword symbolizes the
power of transcendental wisdom to cut down one's illusion and
duality.
Who is Manjushri in Buddhism?
Different traditions or sects of Buddhism have their own
understanding and reverence for Manjushri. In Mahayana Buddhism,
scholars identify him as the oldest and the most important
Bodhisattva who embodies transcendental wisdom. The followers of
Vajrayana Buddhism consider Manjushri an important meditational
deity who is a fully enlightened Buddha and disciples devote
themselves to him. In Tibetan Buddhism, the wrathful
manifestation of Manjushri (Yamantaka) is worshiped. He is also
known by different names in different countries and Buddhist
cultures. For instance, in China, Manjushri is known as Wenshu.
What is the significance of Manjushri?
In some Sutras of the Mahayana Buddhism scripture, Manjushri is
often mentioned discussing the wisdom of Dharma with Buddha.
Thus, it is believed that he inspires all the fallen souls of
this material world to take up knowledge, both material and
spiritual, that can develop good qualities in them. Those who
meditate upon the form of Manjushri and pray to him are blessed
with good spiritual learning skills that eventually help them to
advance further in their consciousness.
What is the power of Manjushri?
In Mahayana Buddhism, Manjushri is considered one of the four
principal Bodhisattvas; the three others are Bodhisattva
Ksitigarbha, Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara, and Bodhisattva
Samantabhadra. Bodhisattva Manjushri is very powerful and
therefore his followers chant the Manjushri mantra that blesses
them with inner wisdom and worldly knowledge. Those who
regularly chant the mantra experience the direct guidance of
Manjushri in their lives.
How to keep a Brass statue well-maintained?
Brass statues are known and appreciated for their exquisite beauty and luster. The brilliant bright gold appearance of Brass makes it appropriate for casting aesthetic statues and sculptures. Brass is a metal alloy composed mainly of copper and zinc. This chemical composition makes brass a highly durable and corrosion-resistant material. Due to these properties, Brass statues and sculptures can be kept both indoors as well as outdoors. They also last for many decades without losing all their natural shine.
Brass statues can withstand even harsh weather conditions very well due to their corrosion-resistance properties. However, maintaining the luster and natural beauty of brass statues is essential if you want to prolong their life and appearance.
- The best and simplest way to maintain a brass statue is to clean it at least twice a week using a soft cloth or cotton rag. This will prevent dust from accumulating on the surface. Dusting is especially important for outdoor statues since it is prone to dust accumulation much more than indoors.
- To give a natural shine and luster to the statue, you may apply coconut or olive oil using cotton on every portion. You can use a toothbrush to get to the small crevices but do not be too harsh. This will make the brass statue appear fresh and new with a polished look.
In case you have a colored brass statue, you may apply mustard oil using a soft brush or clean cloth on the brass portion while for the colored portion of the statue, you may use coconut oil with a cotton cloth.
Brass idols of Hindu Gods and Goddesses are especially known for their intricate and detailed work of art. Nepalese sculptures are famous for small brass idols portraying Buddhist deities. These sculptures are beautified with gold gilding and inlay of precious or semi-precious stones. Religious brass statues can be kept at home altars. You can keep a decorative brass statue in your garden or roof to embellish the area and fill it with divinity.