Manjushri on Lion Thangka (Five‑Fold Gold Serthang)

Specifications

• Dimensions: 55 x 75 cm

• Materials: 24K Gold, Natural Mineral Pigments

• Canvas: Traditionally Prepared Cotton Canvas

• Origin: Kathmandu Valley, Nepal

• Artistic Style: Menri Style (Serthang Tradition)

• Framing: Unframed Canvas

• Authenticity: Certificate of Authenticity Included

• Consecration: Blessed and Consecrated by Qualified Lamas

Iconography & Sacred Assembly

This Thangka presents the rare "Five-Fold Manjushri" mandala. 
It is a complete map of the intellect, showing wisdom in all its forms—from peaceful purity to wrathful protection.

Central Figure – Manjushri Vadisimha (Manjushri on Lion) 

At the heart sits the Lord of Speech, riding a blue lion. He is relaxed yet alert.

• The Lion: 
  Represents the "Lion's Roar" of the Dharma—wisdom that is so true it silences all fear and confusion.

• The Gesture:

  His hands form the Dharmachakra Mudra (Teaching Gesture) at his heart. 
  He is not just knowing truth; he is communicating it to you.

• The Flowers:

  Two blue lotuses blossom at his shoulders, holding the Flaming Sword (cutting ignorance) 
  and the Wisdom Book (perfect knowledge).

Central Figure – Manjushri on Lion (Vadisimha)

Manjushri rides the blue lion, embodying the relaxed confidence of absolute truth.

• The Lion: 
  Represents a fearless intellect that silences confusion.

• The Gesture: 
  His hands at the heart turn the wheel of teaching.

• The Vibe: 
  Relaxed yet alert, ready to share wisdom instantly.

Top Center – Shakyamuni Buddha

The historical Buddha watches from above, grounding high wisdom in deep peace.

• Position: 
  Sits at the peak, honoring the source of all Dharma.

• Gesture: 
  The Earth-Touching mudra calls the earth to witness awakening.

• Presence: 
  Radiates stability, balancing the active energy of the scene.

Top Left – Sita Manjushri (White)

This form shines like moonlight, cleansing the mind of agitation and dullness.

• Color: 
  White symbolizes a mind free from the stains of attachment.

• Benefit: 
  Clears "brain fog" and brings a cooling peacefulness.

• Aspect: 
  Gentle and soothing, offering a fresh start for practice.

Top Right – Arapachana Manjushri (Golden/Orange)

He glows like the rising sun, representing sharp, active daily intelligence.

• Color: 
  Saffron orange represents the brilliance of an alert mind.

• Focus: 
  The specific form is invoked to improve memory and study habits.

• Action: 
  His raised sword is ready to cut through doubt instantly.

Lower Left – Manjughosha (Peaceful Form)

This gentle prince reminds us that wisdom is always fresh and young.

• Appearance: 
  Youthful and serene, showing that truth never ages.

• Vibe: 
  Radiates a soft energy that makes learning feel effortless.

• Role: 
  The foundation of peaceful intellectual pursuit.

Lower Right – Four-Armed Manjushri

With four arms, he multiplies his ability to reach out and teach.

• Extra Arms: 
  Symbolize an expanded capacity to help many beings.

• Attributes: 
  Holds the bow and arrow of focus alongside the sword.

• Meaning: 
  Represents the perfect union of deep meditation and active teaching.

Lower Center – Vajrapani

Vajrapani stands amidst the flames, embodying the raw power needed to turn wisdom into action.

• Identity: 
  The "Lord of Secrets" who protects the practitioner from inner obstacles.

• Energy: 
  His fierce stance fuels your determination to keep learning.

• Role: 
  Burns away the laziness and fear that stop you from practicing

Sacred Background & Landscape

The artist has created a Serthang (Gold Background) where the physical world dissolves into light.

• The Glow: 
  The canvas is 24K gold leaf, burnished to a soft, warm shine that catches the candlelight.

• Menri Style: 
  Look closely at the clouds. They are not painted with heavy color but are "drawn" with fine vermilion lines. 
  This delicate etching creates a sense of movement without clutter.

• Meaning: 
  This golden space represents the Dharmadhatu, the purity of reality, where everything is precious and clear.

Artisan Mastery

This painting is a testament to patience. 
A master of the Menri tradition spent weeks just on the gold application before a single line was drawn.

• The Hand: 
  The artist used a brush made of three hairs to paint the faces.

• The Gold: 
  The gold is not just paint; it is a devotional offering applied layer by layer.

• The Detail: 
  Notice the lion’s mane—every strand is distinct. 
  This level of detail transforms the art into a living object of meditation.

• The Spirit: 
  Painted with the wish that whoever sees it will find relief from confusion.

Spiritual Application

This Thangka is a tool for anyone who relies on their mind—students, teachers, and seekers.

• Heart Mantra: 
  OM AH RA PA TSA NA DHI.

• Meditation: 
  Visualize the lion’s roar vibrating through you, shaking off lethargy and doubt.

• Blessing: 
  May this image grant you the courage to speak your truth and the intelligence to understand the world.

• Purpose: 
  A powerful centerpiece for a study, library, or meditation room to inspire focus and eloquence.