Manjushri

While studying the Theosophy book, The Masters and The Path, I came upon a name I recognized, Amitabha. So, like many of us usually do, I did a search using Perplexity.ai now (previously I would have went to Google–but it now also uses AI). In 2019 and 2016 I visited the Amitabha Stupa in Sedona, AZ and felt a connection to it. This is what Perplexity gave me in return to my question of “Who are Amitabha, Avalokiteshvara, and Manjushri of Northern Buddhism?”:

In Northern (Mahayana) Buddhism, Amitabha, Avalokiteshvara, and Manjushri are three central enlightened figures associated with different aspects of awakening. They are revered especially in East Asian and Tibetan traditions as embodiments of wisdom, compassion, and salvific power.

Northern / Mahayana Buddhism

“Northern Buddhism” usually refers to the Mahayana and Vajrayana traditions that spread north from India into China, Korea, Japan, Tibet, Mongolia, and Central Asia.
These traditions emphasize bodhisattvas—beings who postpone final nirvana to assist all sentient beings—and develop rich devotional practices around them.

Amitabha

Amitabha (Amida in Japanese, “Infinite Light”) is a celestial Buddha who presides over the Western Pure Land (Sukhavati), a blissful realm where beings can be reborn and easily attain enlightenment.
Pure Land schools teach reliance on Amitabha’s vow: by calling his name with faith, one can be reborn in this Pure Land and progress swiftly to Buddhahood.

Avalokiteshvara

Avalokiteshvara is the great bodhisattva of compassion, the one who “hears the cries of the world.”
In different cultures Avalokiteshvara appears in many forms and names, such as Guanyin (China) or Kannon (Japan), often depicted with many arms or heads symbolizing the ability to help countless beings in countless ways.

Manjushri is the bodhisattva of wisdom, representing the penetrating insight that cuts through ignorance and delusion.
He is typically shown holding a flaming sword that “cuts” ignorance and a scripture (often the Prajnaparamita) on a lotus, indicating realization of emptiness and perfect wisdom.

Their Relationship in Northern Buddhism

Together, Amitabha, Avalokiteshvara, and Manjushri express three key Mahayana ideals:
- Amitabha: the saving power of a Buddha’s vows and merit.
- Avalokiteshvara: boundless compassion for all beings.
- Manjushri: profound, liberating wisdom.
In art and practice they often appear in triads or larger mandalas, with practitioners visualizing them, reciting their names or mantras, and emulating their respective qualities on the path to enlightenment.

I especially loved the answer, “Amitabha (Amida in Japanese, “Infinite Light”) is a celestial Buddha” since my husband and I have always wanted to visit Japan (he’s been years ago and loved it, but I have never been there). And I feel “Infinite Light” is a beautiful way to express each persons desire to forevermore live in a heavenly realm.

Part I of a series on Aspects of The Trinity.

Integrating the Spirals

I’m encouraging those “over 60” to open to lifelong learning (observe and gently question their pre-conceived beliefs, aka ‘Programming’), become more aware of their thoughts and emotions, consistently move their bodies (too many are stuck in their heads and physically unhealthy), become strong, and resilient in spirit, soul, mind, body. And to question EVERYTHING!

Link to my YouTube channel where you can see the videos: https://youtube.com/@spiralsister

Yours in consciousness-expansion as we evolve and revolve during our mystical awakening. All while doing-my-egoless-best, to take you on a limitless, spiraling thought ride to better health, through doing more with ease, to help us sustain the JOY in our lives! (With lots of Gratitude throughout.)

Sheila “Spiral Sister” Murrey

The information provided is for educational purposes only and is not intended to treat, diagnose or prescribe.

About us

My husband is an award-winning illustrator, plus he’s a seasoned guitarist, bass player, and songwriter (with over 400 original songs). You can view some of his artwork and listen to many of his songs at: https://www.youtube.com/user/richardmurrey

Here’s a video of us performing on Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/416711742?ref=fb-share