Manjushri Bodhisattva is considered one of the most highly intelligent and wide-ranging Bodhisattvas in Buddhism.
If you see the Bodhisattva statue or thangka of Manjushri, you will figure out the Bodhisattva holding the sword on the right side.
Do you know the meaning of holding the sword? It is because the sword is trying to fight or cut out different types of vexation. Vexation can include all kinds of three poisonous minds: greed, hatred, and ignorance, or jealousy, and so on and so forth. So that’s the Bodhisattva’s holding of this sword to indicate that we need to cut all our negative thoughts or vexations in order that we can practice to gain the great wisdom eventually. On the left-hand side, the Bodhisattva is holding a lotus. Inside the lotus was a sutra; the sutra is the meaning for all kinds of Buddha’s wisdom and teachings. That means we have to learn from all kind of different teachings from Buddha in order we can learn what is correct and what isn’t correct. So that’s the meaning behind that, the bodhisattva for Manjushri. Why is the sword held in the right hand, and the left-hand side is a Sutra. So it all has significant meaning behind it. So I hope you enjoyed today my sharing, and I hope can see you soon again, thank you.
How to Practice Manjushri Practice
Manjushri helps us by guiding us to truly understand Dharma. When we understand Dharma, our minds become more stable, and we are less likely to act in ways that harm ourselves or others. In this way, Manjushri and his many forms protect us. Let me explain this again, because this is how a Buddha’s blessing works. When we practice Manjushri , in any of his forms, it helps clear away obstacles or confusion in our minds. This makes it easier for us to read, listen to, or think about the Dharma, and real understanding can arise. When we act from this understanding, we create fewer problems for ourselves and others, which leads to more happiness. So, we are protected from suffering by the power of our own understanding, not by asking Mishri to fix everything for us. The practice of Mishri is meant to help us clear our minds so that understanding can grow. Once we have that understanding, we naturally act in better ways, leading to less unhappiness for ourselves and those around us. That’s why we do this practice. You don’t pray to a Buddha or Dharma protector just to solve your problems. Instead, you pray, meditate, and focus to clear your mind and understand the Dharma. When you truly understand and live by the Dharma, everything changes—your perspective, attitude, relationships, and even your appearance and energy. A Dharma protector helps by removing obstacles so we can learn and absorb the Dharma, but it’s up to us to transform our own minds. If we have too many obstacles, we can’t get the information we need to change. That’s why we rely on a Dharma protector to help clear the way, especially from inner obstacles like sleepiness, laziness, or anger.
If you have trouble focusing or feel your mind is slow, Manjushri can help. When we practice him, we gain a clearer understanding and thinking. With this clarity, our attitude changes when we listen to, meditate on, or think about the Dharma. To explain, imagine being in the middle of a storm, with a tiger biting your arm, an elephant about to step on you, and a car about to hit you. If your teacher tried to teach you Dharma in that moment, you couldn’t focus because there’s too much happening. Our minds are often like this—busy and unsettled. The elephant represents our anger, which can overwhelm us. When anger comes, it can drive everyone away, even ourselves. These are the emotions that surround us. Dharma protectors help by calming the storm, chasing away the elephant, and distracting the tiger. When things are calm, your mind can focus. If your mind is restless, you can’t understand things easily or you might misunderstand what you’re taught. That’s when you need practice. The practice won’t make you a Buddha, but it will calm your mind and make understanding clearer. This is very powerful. That’s why, when I teach any form of Manjushree—whether peaceful or fierce—I do so with confidence, because I have seen the results in myself. It’s not just my imagination. After retreat, I can remember things much more clearly. Manjushree can bless you with a clear mind. No matter how smart you are, you can always become smarter.