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48 RUE DE COURCELLES PARIS Manjusri is seated with crossed legs on a rock-pedestal, holding in his left hand his symbol: the lion, and dressed in a large mantle. The border of the coat near the chest is decorated with green and yellow peonies on a black ground and a green ground border with incised peonies on the sleeves and lower part of his coat. He is in the attitude of meditation and far away from the earthly sebsations. On the back of the stand is written: This Buddha was given by Mrs Cheng and her three sons of whom the names are following: ...... Height I m 20 Width 0 m 70 ----------------------------------------------------------------- MANJUSRI (Dhyani-Bodhisattva) (God of Transcendent Wisdom) Manjusri, personification of Transcendent Wisdom, is the first Bodhisattva mentioned in the Buddhist scriptures, and as such, his name frequently occurs in the "Lotus of the Good Law" in connexion with Sakya-muni. Manjusri was informed by Gautama Buddha that it was his duty to turn the Wheel of the Law for the salvation of the Chinese. It is recorded in the Chinese Buddhist books that the activity of Manjusri, in the first century, at Wu-t'ai-shan (mountain of five peaks), was brought to the attention of the Emperor Ming-ti, while according to the Buddhist writer I-ching, it was popularly believed in India in the seventh century that Manjusri was at that time teaching the doctrine in China. Manjusri is the god of Science, and swings his sword of Wisdom with its flaming point to dissipate the darkness among men, to cleave the clouds of Ignorance. the Chinese say that when he preaches the Law every demon is subjugated, and every error that might deceive man is dissipated. Manjusri belongs to the group of eight Dhyani-Bodhisattva, and is therefore represented like a prince with all the Bodhisattva ornaments. Manjusri is looked upon as having eternal youth. The monastery of Wu-t'ai in the Shan-si Province is one of the most holy places of pilgrimages in China, and Manjusri is worshipped there by the Mongols as well as by the Chinese.
