Manjusri is a bodhisattva associated with prajna in Mahayana Buddhism. In Tibetan Buddhism, he is also a yidam. His name means "Gentle Glory" in Sanskrit. Manjusri is also known by the fuller name of Manjusrikumarabhuta, literally "Manjusri, Still a Youth" or, less literally, "Prince Manjusri ".
Iconography
Manjusri is depicted as a male bodhisattva wielding a flaming sword in his right hand, representing the realization of transcendent wisdom which cuts down ignorance and duality. The scripture supported by the Padma (lotus) held in his left hand is a Prajnaparamita sutra, representing his attainment of ultimate realization from the blossoming of wisdom. Manjusri is often depicted as riding on a blue lion or sitting on the skin of a lion. This represents the use of wisdom to tame the mind, which is compared to riding or subduing a ferocious lion.
