The boddhisattva Manjushri is one of the so called 'Three Great Bodhisattva's'; the three bodhisattva's that are the nearest companions of Gautama Buddha and embody the three main focuses of the Buddhist practice; principles and qualities that we need to activate and cultivate in our life when walking the path to enlightenment. In this trinity, Vajrapani respresents the Power of Buddha, Avalokiteshvara the Compassion and Manjushri the Wisdom.
Manjushri is most often depicted raising a (flaming) sword with his right hand. In Hinduism and Buddhism, this sword is called 'khadga' and represents the ability of wisdom to cut through ignorance and delusions, in order to see the true nature of reality. The flames surrounding the sword symbolizethe power to burn away and transform all kinds of negativity and destructive emotions.
The handle of this khadga carries the symbol of the dorje. The word 'dorje' (or in Sanskrit 'vajra') translates both as 'lightning bolt' and as 'diamond'. The dorje symbolizes the true nature of the universe and reality; the endless, ultimate emptiness in which all possibilities exist. It supports in finding a clear path through the diversions of the 'monkey-mind' and ego-chatter, seeing what's real and what's not. The dorje as a symbol is often combined with other symbols and can be found on a wide array of ritual attributes. In this case it supports the (ritual) actions that can be done with the khadga, making sure they are done with diamond clarity.
The iron blade is held between the jaws of a mythical watercreature called Makara, who symbolizes the active energy and power that fuels the ritual actions of this khadga.
This khadga is from vintage origin and shows some signs of its age. It has an iron blade and brass ornaments. Total length, including the handle is 40 centimeters. Total weight is 407 grams.
