Manjushri: The Wisdom-Bearer Bodhisattva

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.