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Monju Bosatsu (Sanskrit = Manjushri, or Manjusri)
Chinese = Wenshu; Tibet = Jam-dpal
"One who is noble and gentle"
Bodhisattva of Beautiful Splendour
Dispels ignorance with sword (cuts through ignorance)
Represents Wisdom and Intelligence
Prominent in the Manjusri Parinirvina Sutra
Formerly a Deity of the Kitchen in Japan
Father and Mother of the Bodhisattvas
Associated with Japanese Priest Gyoki
Last Update August 2003 = Added 2 Photos
Origin = India
A disciple of the Historical Buddha, Monju represents wisdom, intelligence and willpower. In artwork, Monju is often portrayed with a sutra in his left hand (a symbol of wisdom) and a sword in his right (to cut through illusion), but not always. Sometimes Monju carries a lotus flower and is riding a Shishi (mythical lion).
Monju Bosatsu riding the mythical Shishi
12th century, Treasure of Chusonji
Photo courtesy of magazine Nihon no Bi no Meguru #35
Historical Notes
Together with Fugen Bosatsu, Monju is said to have followed and assisted the Historical Buddha. In early artwork (Heian Period, 794-1192), the historical Buddha was often shown flanked on both sides by Monju Bosatsu and Fugen Bosatsu. This famous grouping is known as the Shaka Trinity (Shaka Sanzon). In addition, historically, there are four bodhisattva (bosatsu) in East Asia, each symbolizing different aspects of Buddhist belief and practice. They are the Kannon Bosatsu (compassion), Monju Bosatsu (wisdom), Fugen Bosatsu (praxis, or practice), and Jizo Bosatsu (vast patience and salvation from suffering).
Japanese Monk Gyoki (668-749 AD)
www.buddhanet.net/e-learning/history/b_fbodi.htm
Images of Monju were introduced into Japan by Chinese monks who, during a voyage to Wutaishan, learned that Manjusri was reincarnated in the person of the Japanese monk Gyoki, and so went to Nara in 736. One of these monks, Bodhisena (Japanese Bodaisenna), succeeded Gyoki as director of the Buddhist community of the Todai-ji Temple (Nara) in 751 or 752. In turn, another monk named Ennin (Tendai sect) travelled to China to Mount Wutai in the year 840, during a journey that lasted nine years from 838 to 847, and brought back scriptures and images of this Bodhisattva.
 
Sanskrit Seed Sound - MAN
Japanese Mantra for Monju Bosatsu
 
(L) Monju, Kamakura Era, Treasure of Saidai-ji
(R) Monju, Treasure of Myoshin-ji, Kyoto
Photo at right courtesy of http://zen.art.pl/
Below Text Courtesy of
www.buddhanet.net/e-learning/history/b_fbodi.htm
Monju Bosatsu, along with Fugen Bosatsu (Samantabhadra), are disciples of the Historical Buddha. In Japan, the two often appear with the Historical Buddha in a grouping called Shaka Sanzon, "the three venerables of Sakyamuni." Monju represents wisdom, intelligence and willpower. His adoration combines divine wisdom, mastery of the Dharma, an infallible memory, mental perfection, and eloquence. This Bodhisattva, known in India by the doctrines of the Theravada, is identified with the King of Gandharva -- Pancasikha. Monju Bosatsu also appears in many Mahayana texts. The Lotus Sutra assigns him a universe in the east called Vimala (Japanese Yuima).
Manjusri is the initiator and master of the Buddhas of past ages, the father and the mother of the Bodhisattvas, and their spiritual friend. The Historical Buddha describes Manjusri and praises him in the Manjusri Parinirvina Sutra. Monjusri is often represented in India and Tibet, in China and Japan, and in Nepal, which tradition claims Manjusri founded upon his arrival from China. His images appear only late in the sixth century in Central Asia and on a few Chinese stele associated with Vimalakirti (Japanese Yuima Koji).
Modern wood carving of Monju on Shishi lion
Carving available for online purchase at www.butsuzou.com
More about Monk Gyoki, Text Courtesy of
www.asahi-net.or.jp/~QM9T-KNDU/Hinatayakushi.htm
The "Great Priest" Gyoki (668-749 AD) was born in Osaka with Korean background and took Buddhist vows at age 15, entering Asukadera in Nara, the oldest temple in Japan founded in 569. Though started as an official priest employed by the government, he was not satisfied with the Buddhism then prevailing in Japan. It was solely for the peace of the state and welfare of the court nobles, not for the masses. He quit the job in 704 at age 36 to propagate Buddhism for salvation of the suffering people and to practice philanthropy, making a pilgrimage mostly in Osaka and Nara areas. Not only did he give a hand to the sick, the poor and many others in distress, he also contributed to social welfare building roads, bridges, irrigation reservoirs and other civil engineering, and helped construct a number of temples. Gradually, he earned fame as a Buddhist and philanthropist. Back at the time, Emperor Shomu (701-756) was reigning Japan and he had a plan to construct a great Buddha statue in Nara. The project was so huge that state funds alone were not enough to cover the total cost. The emperor asked Priest Gyoki to help raise funds. Accepting the emperor's request, Priest Gyoki immediately began fund-raising campaigns. Thanks to his fame and philanthropic activities, enough alms were collected soon afterward, and in 752 casting the Great Buddha statue we see today at Todaiji was completed. Unfortunately, he had passed away just before the consecrating ceremony for the statue took place. Without his self-sacrificing efforts, the colossal statue would not have probably been constructed. In praise of the priest's achievement, the emperor conferred on him the title of Dai-sojo, or the Great Priest, the highest rank given to priests. In addition, people called him 'Gyoki Bodhisattva'. The priest had two honorable titles: the official Dai-sojo and unofficial Gyoki Bodhisattva. Priest Gyoki is also reported to have helped build Sugimoto-dera in Kamakura, although evidence suggests otherwise.
SHAKA SANZON -- Shaka Trinity
- Monju Bosatsu, along with Fugen Bosatsu, often appear together with Shaka Nyorai. Monju Bosatsu is frequently depicted with a sword in one hand and a sutra in the other. Sometimes he carries a lotus flower and is riding a lion. Fugen is often depicted riding a white elephant or holding a lotus flower. This grouping of three statues is called the Shaka Trinity or Shaka Sanzon in Japanese.
SIDE NOTES:
www.asahi-net.or.jp/~QM9T-KNDU/buddhism.htm
Monju and Fugen may remind us of the accidents at a nuclear power plant. Two fast breeder reactors located in Fukui Prefecture were named "Monju" and "Fugen." However, "Monju" was temporarily shut down on December 8, 1995 due to a leak of sodium coolant. Ironically, December 8 was the day Sakyamuni attained enlightenment.
Also Fugen is supposed to be advanced thermal reactors using both uranium and plutonium as fuel. In 1995, however, the government gave up the plan to develop such reactors in the face of stiff opposition. The reactor, which entered service in March 1979, cost 68.5 billion yen to build, but may cost three times that amount to dismantle it, or 200 billion yen (US$1.5 billion). From the Buddhist viewpoint, naming the reactors 'Fugen' and 'Monju' was blasphemy against the Bodhisattva. Swift is Heaven's vengeance.
MONJU BOSATSU AS KITCHEN DEITY
SAYS THE FLAMMARION GUIDE TO BUDDHISM:
by Louis Frederic, Printed in France, 1995; ISBN 2-08013-558-9
During the Heian period in Japan, a popular custom witnessed the installation of an effigy of Manjusri clothed as a monk (or in a habit made of rope, or a Chinese robe in the Tang fashion) in the kitchens of places of residence, in order to symbolize the wisdom and discipline which should be observed for the maintenance of the home.....but the popularity of his worship subsequently diminished; in Japan today his memory is alive although he is hardly worshipped any more, and very few temples are devoted to him. The most famous of those that are is that of Amano-Hashidate. <end quote> For more on Japan's various kichen deities, click here.
LEARN MORE
- www.manjushri.com/BUDDHA/Manjushri.html
Excellent site, with solid historical descriptions
- www.buddhanet.net/e-learning/history/b_fbodi.htm
Another wonderful site, well worth a visit.
- www2.cyberoz.net/city/sanden/item03.htm
This site offers an online store, selling many masks of the various Japanese Buddhist deities. The image at top of page comes from this site.
- http://zen.art.pl/ Offers photo tours of Japanese art
Monju Bosatsu - 7th Century, Horyuji Temple
Monju Bosatsu, Heian Era
Treasure of Chuson-ji Temple
Attended by Four Figures
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