Traditional thangka "Manjushri", "Avalokiteshvara", "Vajrapani"

This contemporary hand-painted thangka depicts Manjushri (Tib. Jampelyang), the Bodhisattva of Wisdom, who is highly revered in Mahayana and Vajrayana Buddhism.

Details:

• Painting size: 46 x 61 cm
• Brocade frame: 80 (90) x 127 cm
• Brocade colors: Gold, blue, orange

The painting is of very high quality. As with all of the thangkas available from Atelier Tibet, this is a one-of-a-kind piece that has been painstakingly handcrafted and is only offered once in its details and colors.

These thangkas are hand-painted on canvas by the most experienced artists in Nepal according to the strict iconographic rules of the Tibetan style using traditional colors. They captivate with their intense colors, intricate details and deep spiritual symbolism. The brocade frame is vegan and woven with classic patterns. The thangka is covered with an orange silk veil for protection and decoration.

Description of motif:

This thangka shows Manjushri (Tib. Jampelyang), the bodhisattva of wisdom, who is highly revered in Mahayana and Vajrayana Buddhism.

Manjushri sits in the center on a lotus and moon throne. His body is golden yellow, symbolizing wisdom, luminosity and the power of discriminating awareness. In his right hand, above his head, he holds the flaming sword of wisdom (prajna), which cuts through ignorance, delusion and misconceptions. In his left hand, near his chest, he holds the stem of a blue lotus flower (Utpala) on which a book (Prajnaparamita Sutra) rests. This sutra represents the perfect wisdom of all Buddhas.

Manjushri sits in a relaxed meditation posture with his eyes slightly open, symbolizing clarity and alertness. His expression is peaceful and powerful at the same time. He is richly adorned with a golden crown, earrings, necklaces, bracelets and fine silk robes in orange and red. Behind him shines a golden nimbus with floral ornaments and a pink halo around his head.

Two other smaller figures are depicted below him: on the left, presumably Avalokiteshvara (Chenrezig), the bodhisattva of compassion, and on the right Vajrapani, a protective, wrathful deity in blue, who embodies the power of all Buddhas.

The thangka is framed in a traditional frame made of gold-colored brocade with floral patterns. Two red vertical ribbons and an orange silk cloth are draped decoratively, as is customary with Tibetan thangkas. The cloth can be lowered to protect the image from dust and is ceremoniously tied up during prayers or meditation. At the bottom, the thangka has brass-colored end rollers that provide stability and make it easier to roll up and down.

This image is often used to cultivate wisdom, clear discernment, insight and scholarship . Manjushri is known as the one who dispels the darkness of the mind and bestows spiritual insight.