Lord Manjushri - Arya Nargajuna and the Naga Queen

This image shows the meeting of Arya Nagarjuna and the Naga Queen deep within a subterranean grotto. Seated upon a lotus we see Lord Manjushri,... more

by Ben Christian

Title

Lord Manjushri - Arya Nargajuna and the Naga Queen

Artist

Ben Christian

Medium

Digital Art - Digital

Description

This image shows the meeting of Arya Nagarjuna and the Naga Queen deep within a subterranean grotto. Seated upon a lotus we see Lord Manjushri, emanating in the air above a couple who pass a scripture of holy words between them.

The Jewel Garland of Buddhist History offers one account of Arya Nagarjuna's life. A brief story within it illuminates the way in which Arya Nagarjuna was gifted the short and long Perfection of Wisdom Sutras by the Nagas. It tells how Arya Nagarjuna traveled by magic to the subterranean home of the Naga to procure these precious Sutras. Upon returning Arya Nagarjuna began his elucidation of their true intent, an exposition so profound in meaning, that he was later to become known as “the second Buddha.”

This painting has many levels of meaning. Its primary purpose, however, is to explore the ways in which wisdom can be born through the correct practice of devotion and prayer. Je Tsongkapa put tremendous effort into these devotional practices and it is through them that he was able to meet Lord Manjushri face to face, and to receive teachings directly from Him.

Wisdom can arise from many sources. Traditionally the threefold practices of learning, contemplation and meditation each lead to their own respective wisdoms. This is how we progress along the path. There is another, very special kind of wisdom, that can be granted by the grace of the Guru. This is sometimes known as “self-produced wisdom” (rang byung ye shes), and it is the spontaneous arisal of wisdom, triggered by another factor such as the Lama’s touch or presence.

Although the wisdom in question is called self-produced, His Holiness the Sakya Pandita cautions us against accepting the ridiculous idea that wisdom could be self-produced– in the sense of coming from nowhere at all.

Yes, my Mahamudra
Is a “self-produced wisdom”—
A wisdom which is produced by my empowerment,
And by concentrated efforts on the
Practice of the two stages.

His Holiness the First Panchen Lama concurs and adds his own voice by saying:

...this advice is in perfect accord with the true intent of every real yogic master of the past.

Uploaded

May 31st, 2014