Eight‑Armed Manjuvajra Thangka (Gold Serthang Manjushri Thangka)

Specifications

• Dimensions: 45 x 65 cm

• Materials: 24K Gold, Natural Mineral Pigments

• Canvas: Traditionally Prepared Cotton Canvas

• Origin: Kathmandu Valley, Nepal

• Artistic Style: Menri Style (Serthang Tradition)

Iconography & Sacred Assembly

This rare form involves the Eight-Armed Manjuvajra, an esoteric manifestation that offers a complete toolkit for enlightenment. He does not just offer wisdom; he actively engages to protect, guide, and bind you to the truth.

Central Figure – Eight-Armed Manjuvajra 

His three faces gaze across time, while his eight arms display a symphony of skillful means.

• The Right Hands (Method & Protection):

  1. The Sword: Cuts the root of ignorance immediately.

  2. Abhaya Mudra: The open palm of "Fearlessness," telling you that you are safe from delusion.

  3. The Arrow: Piercing focus that hits the target of realization.

  4. Sacred Gesture: A mudra of blessing, bestowing the confidence to practice.

• The Left Hands (Wisdom & Magnetism):

  1. The Mala: Represents the unceasing continuity of practice and mantra.

  2. The Bow: Launches the arrow of wisdom; it is the energy behind the insight.

  3. The Black Rope (Pasha): The "Noose of Compassion." It catches the wandering mind and binds the ego, preventing you from falling into lower states.

  4. Lotus with Book: Holding the stem of the Prajnaparamita, the ultimate source of all knowledge.

The Lineage of Light

Above the golden deity, two masters watch over your practice. They unite the peaceful Sutra and powerful Tantra paths.

Top Left – Guru Rinpoche

• Known as the "Lotus Born," he brought Tantric Buddhism to Tibet.

• Holds the vajra and skull cup to symbolize method and wisdom.

• Offers fierce protection against all outer and inner obstacles.

Top Right – Shakyamuni Buddha

• The historical root teacher and source of all Dharma.

• Holds the alms bowl, representing renunciation and spiritual fulfillment.

• Radiates the calm, grounding energy of the Sutra tradition.

Sacred Background & Landscape

The artist has utilized the Serthang (Gold Background) technique to create a realm of pure potential.

• The Golden Ground:

  The entire canvas is burnished 24K gold, symbolising the Dharmadhatu—the sphere of absolute reality where no shadows exist.

• Menri Precision:

  Notice the fine red vermilion lines. They don't just outline the deity; they bring him to life against the brilliance of the gold.

• Symbolism:

  This lack of a physical landscape reminds us that Manjuvajra’s wisdom transcends the physical world.

Artisan Mastery

To create an eight-armed figure with such balance requires a master's hand. 
This is not merely painted; it is constructed with sacred geometry.

• The Detail: 
  Painting eight arms without making the figure look "crowded" is a high skill. The artist has achieved perfect symmetry.

• The Materials: 
  Pure mineral pigments provide the subtle colors of the lotus and robes, while the gold provides the divine light.

• The Energy: 
  Each stroke of the "Black Rope" or the "Sword" was applied with the intention of removing obstacles for the future owner.

Spiritual Application

This Thangka is a "Visual Scripture." It reminds you that you have many tools at your disposal to handle life's challenges.

• For the Wandering Mind: 
  When you cannot focus, look at the Black Rope and Arrow. Visualize Manjuvajra catching your distraction.

• For Fear: 
  When you feel anxious, gaze at the Abhaya Mudra (Fearless Hand).

• For Confusion: 
  Focus on the Sword and Book to cut through doubt.

• Blessing: 

• Invites a multi-faceted wisdom that protects you from every angle.