Trashigang Monastery: Manjusri Bodhisattva

BHUTAN, Thimphu

The radiant golden Manjusri Bodhisattva sits in full lotus position on a lotus throne that rises from the water. Manjusri wears a five-leaf crown, jeweled ornaments, and flowing garments. Lines of rainbow light rise from the topknot and extend into the upper corners. The hands form the Dharmachakra (Dharma wheel) mudra in front of the chest where they hold lotuses. The sword of wisdom rests on the lotus flower on the right, and a sutra is on top of the lotus on the left. At the top of the picture, Sakyamuni Buddha, manifested as a Bodhisattva, forms the bhumisparsa (earth-touching) mudra. Heavenly beings stand on colorful clouds beside Manjusri. In the lower left corner, Sarasvati plays a pipa. On the right is the wrathful Acala, holding a sword and a rope.