Manjushri – work in progress
After finishing Vajrayoghini’s Thangka I decided to dedicate myself to drawing, taking time to study and deepen my knowledge.
I didn’t really know what the subject of the next work would be.
I drew several divinities and I felt determined to paint the Medicine Buddha, however not so determined to begin.
So I took more time and drew Manjushri.
While I was making his drawing the feeling was so beautiful and full that it was clear to me: “I paint Manjushri’s Thangka”.
Manjushri is a male Bodhisattva. Sitting with crossed legs, he holds a sword in his right hand. The sword, in many circles, is said to cut the veil of ignorance.
Ignorance, in Sanskrit, is referred to as “avidya”. The term “vidya” indicates knowledge. Both contain the root “vid” = “see”. The “a” stands for absence, therefore lack of knowledge.
In Buddhism ignorance, along with attachment and aversion, is one of the three poisons, therefore an obstacle to the pure vision of the reality of phenomena understood as an experience of deep understanding.
In the presence of avidya it is necessary to develop wisdom indicated by the term “prajna”.
Manjushri, in his left hand holds a blue flower of uptala, inside which there is the Sutra of the Perfection of Wisdom, the Prajnaparamita Sutra.
He represents the wisdom of all Buddhas.
I don’t know how long this work will take me and I don’t know what meaning the experience will bring with it, each time it is something new.
What I do observe clearly is that I can let myself go to painting in an increasingly fluid way.
I hope it is beneficial!
