Manjusri is the Bodhisattva of Wisdom. His name translates as “Gentle Glory,” “the Wonderful, Fortunate One,” or “the One who is Noble and Gentle.” He is usually portrayed as a fair youth or maiden riding a fierce lion-like beast representing the self. In one hand he holds a sword with which to free oneself from attachments and delusion; in the other hand he holds a blue lotus upon which rests The Scripture of Great Wisdom. In monastic meditation halls of Soto Zen, Manjusri often appears as a monk whose body merges with the beast, that is, becomes one with the beast through the complete and loving conversion of the self. (Chinese, Wen-shu; Japanese, Monju)
(Note: Festival descriptions are based on those compiled in Buddhist Festival Ceremonies, copyrighted 2002, Eugene Buddhist Priory.)
