8 inch/ 22 cm Manjushree | འཇམ་དཔལ་དབྱངས། | 文殊菩萨

Manjushree, also known as Manjusri, is a Mahayana Buddhist bodhisattva who embodies wisdom, intelligence, and insight. Manjushree is regarded as one of Buddhism's most important bodhisattvas and a central figure in many Buddhist traditions. Manjushree is a Sanskrit name, with "manju" meaning "charming," "beautiful," or "lovely" and "shri" meaning "glory." As a result, the name Manjushree translates as "charming glory."Manjushri is frequently depicted with a sword in his right hand, representing his ability to cut through ignorance and delusion, and a book or sutra in his left hand, representing his mastery of the Buddhist scriptures and his dedication to study and learning. He is also sometimes depicted riding on a lion, which represents his bravery and fearlessness. Manjushree is said to have taken a vow to help all beings develop wisdom and understanding in some Buddhist traditions. He is frequently invoked in prayer and mantra, especially by those seeking to develop their intellectual abilities and overcome ignorance and delusion. Manjushree is especially revered in Tibetan Buddhism, where he is seen as the patron of scholars and intellectuals, and is associated with mental development and enlightenment. He is also revered in many other Buddhist traditions as the embodiment of the ideal of wisdom and insight that all Buddhists strive for.