Bodhisattva of Wisdom (Manjushri)

The youthful, princely form of Manjushri can be identified by the horizontal book on the lotus over his left shoulder. The book refers to the Buddhist teachings of ultimate knowledge (Prajnaparamita), and this bodhisattva is the male embodiment of the wisdom gained from understanding them. Manjushri is of special importance for Buddhists of Nepal, called Newari, who credit him with draining the water from Kathmandu Valley.