Chenrezig with Manjushri Painting

Chenrezig is believed to embody the collective wisdom of all the buddhas and their compassionate nature. He is one of the Eight Great Close Sons, usually depicted as white and carrying a lotus.

Iconography of Chenrezig

Chenrezig is presented at the center of the thangka. Chenrezig Tibetan Art is visualized in many forms with various numbers of faces and arms, and various colors and ornaments. He sits on a lotus and the flat disc of the moon with another moon disk behind him, reflecting his total purity.

Two of his four arms are joined in the prayer position holding the wish-fulfilling gem. In his other left hand, he holds a lotus flower and in his other right hand, there is a crystal mala which he is using to count the repetitions of his mantra.

Mantra of Chenrezig

The Mantra of Chenrezig is Om Mani Padme Hum.

Iconography of Manjushri

Manjushri is featured at the lower left corner of the Chenrezig thangka. He is holding a flaming sword in his left hand, symbolizing his enlightenment and the ability to cut through ignorance and false views. His right hand is in a teaching gesture, holding the stem of a blue lotus flower with the Book of Perfection of Transcendental Wisdom resting on top.

Mantra of Manjushri

The mantra of Manjushri is Om A Ra Pa Ca Na Dhih.

Iconography of Vajrapani

Vajrapani is depicted at the lower right corner of the Chenrezig thangka. He is one of the earliest bodhisattvas of Mahayana Buddhism and is seen as a protector and guide of the Buddha, signifying the Buddha’s strength.

Vajrapani is depicted as dancing energetically within a ring of fire, symbolizing transformation. He grasps a vajra (thunderbolt) in his right hand to signify the power to break through confusion. His expression appears fierce, but it is actually an indication of his enlightened state of being, free from any feelings of animosity.

Mantra of Vajrapani

The mantra of Vajrapani is om vajrapani hum phat.