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Monju Bosatsu
Guardian of Buddhist Law, Voice of the Law
Sanskrit = Manjushri or Manjusri
Wisest of the Bodhisattva.
In Japan, students pay homage to Monju
in the hopes of passing school examinations
and becoming gifted calligraphers.
Origin = India
Last Update August 20, 2006
Added text & photos
Guardian of People Born
in the Zodiac Year of the Rabbit
Who is Your Buddhist/Zodiac Patron Deity?
Sanskrit, Chinese, and Japanese Spellings
 
English Translations & Notes
- Begetter of Understanding
- Guardian of the Law, Voice of the Law
- Bodhisattva of Supreme Wisdom and Beautiful Splendor
- One Who Shows the Holy Way
- One of Marvelous Virtue and Gentle Majesty
- One with a Marvelous Voice (to Speak of the Law)
- Father and Mother of the Various Bodhisattva
- Appears in Sutra of Wisdom, Lotus Sutra, and many others
- Lord of Vimala (Jp. = Yuima; realm of the east) in some sutras
- Portrayed sometimes as a youth; represents "eternal youth"
- One of the Four Great Bodhisattva of Asia
- Deity of the Kitchen in Japan's Tendai sect
- Deity of meditation halls in Zen temples
- Associated with Japanese Priest Gyoki
Monju Bosatsu riding the mythical Shishi
12th century, Treasure of Chusonji
Photo courtesy of magazine Nihon no Bi no Meguru #35
Historical Notes. Monju was a disciple of the Historical Buddha, and represents wisdom, intelligence and willpower. In Mahayana traditions throughout Asia, Monju is the personification of the Buddha's teachings, and hence Monju symbolizes wisdom and the enlightened mind. Monju is considered the wisest of the Bodhisattva, and thus acts as the Voice (Expounder) of Buddhist Law. Monju enjoyed vast popularity in Asia for many centuries. But today in China and Japan, Monju's popularity has diminished somewhat among the common folk. Nonetheless, Monju is still counted as one of the most popular of all Mahayana divinities. In Japan, students pay homage to Monju in the hopes of passing school examinations and becoming gifted calligraphers.
Japanese sculptures of Monju often depict the deity sitting atop a roaring lion, which symbolizes the voice of Buddhist Law and the power of Buddhism to overcome all obstacles. Monju typically holds the Sutra of Wisdom in the left hand and a sharp sword in the right, which Monju uses to cut through illusion and shed light on the unenlightened mind. In some artwork, Monju carries a lotus flower and is sitting atop a Shishi (mythical lion).
Theravada Buddhism. In Theravada traditions, Monju corresponds to Shariputra, one of the ten disciples of Shaka Buddha (the Historical Buddha). Shariputra was considered one of the wisest of the ten disciples. In Mahayana traditions, Monju Bodhisattva supplants Shariputra, and is thus known as the "begetter of understanding." Monju appears prominently in the Manjusri Parinirvina Sutra, and is considered the father and mother of the Bodhisattva. Monju is often represented in artwork in India, Tibet, China, Japan, and Nepal -- by tradition, Monju founded Nepal upon his arrival from China. Monju's images appear only late in the sixth century AD in Central Asia and on a few Chinese stele associated with Vimalakirti (Japanese Yuima Koji).
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 Introduction to Japan
Monju's cult was introduced to Japan by Ennin (794-864 AD), a monk who visited Wutaishan (a five-terraced mountain in China's Shanxi Province that was a major center of the Monju cult) during his travels to China (838-47 AD).
Monju symbolizes wisdom and the enlightened mind (realization), and is often paired with Fugen Bosatsu, who in contrast represents meditation and practice (praxis). In Japanese artwork, Monju and Fugen are often shown flanking the Historical Buddha in a grouping called the Shaka Trinity (Jp. = Shaka Sanzon), with Monju situated on the left of the central Shaka statue and Fugen placed on the right. In this grouping, Monju is the Guardian of Wisdom (the voice of exposition) and Fugen the Guardian of the Law (the holder and practitioner of Buddhist Law).
In addition, in Asia, there is a Mahayana grouping called the Four Great Bodhisattva, with each of the four symbolizing a specific aspect of Buddhism. They are Kannon Bosatsu (compassion), Monju Bodhisattva (wisdom), Fugen Bosatsu (praxis), and Jizo Bosatsu (vast patience and salvation from suffering).
Monju can be traced back at least to the 4th century AD in China. Monju appears frequently in the Lotus Sutra, in which Monju converts the eight-year-old daughter of the Dragon King Sagara to Buddhism. She gains enlightenment, and illustrates the universal possibility of Buddhahood for both men and women. Monju is also sometimes portrayed with four messengers and eight youthful attendants, or crossing the sea with four attendants.
MAN - Japanese pronunciation
Monju's Sanskrit Seed Syllable
Monju Iconography in Japan. Monju comes in many forms throughout Asia. In Japan, Monju is often portrayed with the Sutra of Wisdom in the left hand, a sword in the right hand to cut through illusion (to shed light on the unenlightened mind, to disperse the clouds of ignorance), and sitting atop a roaring lion, which symbolizes the voice of Buddhist Law and the power of Buddhism to overcome all obstacles. This riding-lion form is also known as the Kishi Monju Bosatsu in Japan. Monju is frequently represented with five curls or knots (chignons) of hair, indicating the five-terraced mountain (Ch. = Wutaishan, Jp. Jp. = Godaisan) in China where Monju is venerated, or the Fivefold Wisdom of Dainichi Buddha, which corresponds to the five kinds of wisdom important to the Shingon sect, which in turn relates to the five elements of earth, water, fire, air (wind), and space (ether). Indeed, in Japan's Esoteric sects, Monju appears in both the Womb World Mandala (Jp. = Taizoukai) and the Diamond World Mandala (Jp. = Kongoukai).
Monju is counted among the 16 Great Bodhisattva (Jp. Juuroku Daibosatsu) and the Thirteen Buddha (Jp. = Juusanbutsu) of the Shingon School. In the latter grouping, Monju presides over the funeral service held on the 21st day after one's death. Other forms of Monju are based on the number of syllables (one, five, six, or eight) in the specific mantra being chanted to Monju. The single-sound mantra, for example, is said to protect against nightmares and natural disasters. There are other forms as well, those based on the number of hair knots (one, five, six, or eight), with each providing protection against different dangers.
Japanese Mantra for Monju Bosatsu
Six-Sound Japanese Mantra for Monju Bosatsu
There are others (one, five, six, and eight).
In Japan's Tendai sect, Monju is enshrined in temple dining halls as a deity of the kitchen, and in Zen temples in the meditation halls. There is also an '"Infant Monju" (Jp. = Chigo Monju), for Monju represents "eternal youth" in some traditions and is thus portrayed as perennially young. This latter version of Monju is known as Kumarabhuta in Sanskrit, meaning "youthful." There is also a "rope-robed" Monju.
Buddhist Woodblock Print
www.mingeikan.or.jp/english/html/painting-pt_11.html
Monju Bodhisattva -- God of Wisdom and Intellect
Edo Period, 17th Century, Length 32 cm
Hachidai Douji 八大童子
Text Courtesy of JAANUS
http://www.aisf.or.jp/~jaanus/deta/h/hachidaidouji.htm
Literally "Eight Great Youths." Eight attendants of either Monju Bosatsu or, more commonly, Fudo Myo-o. The eight attendants of Monju (Monju Hachidai Douji 文殊八大童子) are mentioned in several texts, and they appear in the Monju-in 文殊院 of the Taizoukai Mandara 胎蔵界曼荼羅. Their names are:
- Koumou 光網 (Sk: Jaliniplabha)
- Houkan 宝冠 (Sk: Ratnamukuta)
- Mukukou 垢光 (Sk: Vimalaprabha)
- Keishini 髻設尼 (Sk: Kesini)
- Ubakeishini 烏波髻設尼 (Sk: Upakesini)
- Shittara 質多羅 (Sk: Citra)
- Jie 地慧 (Sk: Vasumati)
- Choushou 召請 (Sk: Akarsani)
The last five are female and are collectively known as the Five Messengers of Monju (Monju Goshisha 文殊五使者). In some texts Fushigie 不思議慧 (Sk: Acintyamati) and Kugoe 救護慧 (Sk: Paritranasayamati) are substituted for Houkan and Shittara respectively. <end JAANUS quote>
Japanese Monk Gyōki (Gyoki) 行基
Gyōki (+668-749) descended from from Korean immigrants.
Courtesy 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 行基, and so went to Nara in 736. One of these Chinese monks, Bodhisena (Jp. = 菩提僊那; +704-760), 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.
 
(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 Gyōki (Gyoki) 行基
Gyōki (+668-749) descended from from Korean immigrants.
Text Courtesy of Takahiro Kondo
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.
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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.
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Monju Bosatsu - 7th Century, Horyuji Temple
Monju Bosatsu, Heian Era
Treasure of Chuson-ji Temple
Sitting atop a lion, and attended by four figures
Four Companions of Monju Bosatsu
The Monju Quintet (Monju Gosonzou 文殊五尊像)
Text Courtesy www.aisf.or.jp/~jaanus/deta/m/monju.htm
In Japan, Monju is sometimes depicted with four companions.
- The youth Zenzai Douji 善財童子, whose pilgrimage to 53 places in which he met 55 saints is described in the final chapter of the KEGONKYOU 華厳経.
- The king of Khotan (Jp. = Utennou 優填王)
- The elder Saishou Rounin 最勝老人
- The monk Buddhapari (Jp. = Butsudahari 仏陀波利)
Well-known statuary representations of the quintet are at Monjuin 文殊院 and Saidaiji 西大寺, both in Nara. In a variation of this format, called Monju Crossing the Sea (Jp. = Tokai Monjuzou 渡海文殊像, Monju Tokai-zu 文殊渡海図), Monju and his entourage are depicted on clouds crossing the sea (supposedly in the direction of Wutaishan). A painting of this group from the Kamakura period is kept at Daigoji 醍醐寺 (Kyoto) and is designated a national treasure. In Esoteric Buddhism (Mikkyou 密教), Monju appears in the Womb World Mandala (Taizoukai Mandara 胎蔵界曼荼羅) in the central Chuudaihachiyouin 中台八葉院 holding a book in his right hand and a lotus surmounted with a five-pronged vajra in his left hand. As the central figure in the Monjuin, he holds a lotus surmounted with a three-pronged vajra in his left hand. In the Diamond World Mandala (Kongoukai Mandara 金剛界曼荼羅), he is identified with Kongouri 金剛利 (Sk:Vajratiksna) among the Sixteen Great Bodhisattvas (Jp. = Juuroku Daibosatsu 十六大菩薩). Monju also figures among the so-called Thirteen Buddhas (Jp. = Juusanbutsu 十三仏), a grouping of special importance in Japan's Shingon traditions. <end JAANUS quote>
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