Manjushri is the embodiment of all the buddhas’ wisdom. His flaming double-edged sword cuts through layers of misconception to discriminate clearly between the independent way things deceptively appear to exist and the interdependent way in with they actually arise. Resting on a lotus in his left hand is the text of the Perfection of Wisdom sutra, considered to be the Buddha’s most profound teaching on the ultimate nature of reality. Tibetan school children learn to recite Manjushri’s mantra in order to enhance their ability to study. And monks and spiritual practitioners request Manjushri’s assistance in cultivating the insight necessary to understand profound truths and subtle explanations.
