Which bodhisattva wields a sword of wisdom and a book of scriptures, representing enlightened intelligence? Manjushri is the answer.
Mañjuśrī, commonly spelled Manjushri in English, is the Mahayana bodhisattva who personifies prajñā, or transcendent wisdom. Buddhist art typically shows him holding a flaming sword that cuts through ignorance, confusion, and dualistic thinking. In the other hand he may hold, or support on a lotus, a Prajñāpāramitā scripture representing the perfection of wisdom.
His iconography is symbolic rather than martial. The sword does not signify conquest of an enemy; it represents insight that severs the mental errors preventing awakening. The scripture points to the philosophical teachings that explain emptiness and the nature of reality. Manjushri is often depicted as youthful, reflecting the freshness and clarity of awakened understanding.
He is sometimes confused with Avalokiteśvara, whose defining quality is compassion, or with Vajrapani, who represents spiritual power. Manjushri is also frequently shown riding a lion, an image associated with fearless wisdom and mastery of the mind. In some traditions, he is treated not merely as a bodhisattva but as a Buddha appearing in bodhisattva form.