Bun Cu Pho Sat – Manjusri Bodhisatva
The Buddhism considers that source of all sufferings in human life is無明 Digression (cannot fully see the real truth of a problem/object). To overcome this digression we must rely on the wisdom/ discretion.
文殊菩薩 Wen Shu Pu Sa {Hok Kian = Bun Cu Pho Sat} is the realization of discretion. Therefore, even though he is not a leading figure in history, but since he could perform distinctive feature of Buddhism ideology implicitly & evidently, then his position in Buddhism is very high. He is the first Bodhisatva who is mentioned in the holy books. Even there is a certain holy book declaring that Wen Shu Pu Sa is a guru of all Buddha within 3 periods of life.
Wen Shu Pu Sa was also called 文殊師利 Wen Shu Shi Li , liberally translated into妙吉祥 Miao Ji Xiang (Miraculous fortune), 法王子 Fa Wang Zi (Son of King Dharma), etc. Wen Shu Pu Sa who represents the wisdom, &普賢菩薩 Pu Xian Pu Sa who represents characters at temples in China & Japan is often performed beside Sang Buddha Sakyamuni.
Manjusri is Bodhisatva of Discretion and Knowledge & to be considered equal to Bodhisatva Avalokitesvara or Kwan Im Pho Sat who constitutes Bodhisatva of Compassion. Manjusri in Sanskrit means “Friendly Grandeur”. Chinese people consider Manjusri is Bodhisatva who gives information & discretion for anyone active in performing Dharma.
Sacred place of Bun Cu Pho Sat is in Mount五臺山 Wu Tai Shan, Shan Xi Province. In this place Bun Cu Pho Sat often shows up his miracle. This Mount Wu Tai Shan is one of 4 holy mounts of Buddhism in China & becomes a gathering place for the followers of Bun Cu Pho Sat. Even though to reach the peak of Wu Tai Shan we must pass by with hard & complicated journey. They want to feel a spiritual tranquility by reaching Wen Shu Pu Sa temple located at the said peak of mountain.
There are many testimonies on the appearance of miracle lights which were witnessed by many followers of Buddhism at the peak of the said holy mountain. By ordinary people, it is probably considered as “hallucination” of those who were suffered from tiredness due to climbing up such mountain. But, it must be considered that the people who climbed up there generally were those who wanted to seek for “Discretion” & they have undergone meditation diligently, so that they had thoughts that is not easily shaky or unstable or easily influenced by the phenomena which may result in the said hallucination.
The most often appearing shape of Bun Cu Pho Sat is his right hand holding magic jewel sword, left hand holding a holy book, rides a green fur lion. Magic jewel sword represents the wisdom which may decide all kilesa (spiritual nervousness). Roll of holy book represents the wisdom like an ocean & guiding the humankind entering holy book warehouse. The lion being ridden is valued as a King of Animal & also called the Roaring of Lion, spread out Dharma Buddha. Then Bun Cu Pho Sat rides the lion bearing the meaning to develop Buddha Dharma & save the humankind.
In the story of Miao Shan, green lion Wen Shu Pu Sa was told as the reincarnation of God of Fire, while the white elephant Pu Xian Pu Sa was God of Water. These both Gods caught the entourage of King of Miao Zhuang who would go on a pilgrimage to Xiang Shan, the place of Miao Shan. Then both of them were conquered by the Commander of Heavens. After Miao Shan becoming Bodhisatva, both his older sisters were also appointed to accompany her. Miao Shu (in other version was called as Miao Qing) appointed as Wen Shu Pu Sa & Miao Yin appointed as Pu Xian Pu Sa. Even though Wen Shu Pu Sa & Pu Xian Pu Sa originated from India, finally had the form of China 100 %.
The temple that is especially used to honor Bun Cu Pho Sat are seldom available, except the one in Wu Tai Shan. But its statues are seen at Buddhism characterized temples. Bun Cu Pho Sat is often performed in the form of Triad together with Sakyamuni Buddha & Pho Hian Pho Sat. Or together with Kwan Im Pho Sat & Pho Hian Pho Sat. in the formof Triad, with Kwan Im, usually Bun Cu Pho Sat & Pho Hian Pho Sat is performed in the form of woman. Kwan Im as a symbol The Most Beneficent & Merciful, Bun Cu represents the discretion, Pho Hian as a symbol of affection implementation. Three of them are the excellence of Buddhism teachings.
The birthday of Wen Shu Pu Sa is commemorated on every 4th day of 4th Month of Chinese Calendar & is particularly commemorated every year by the Buddhism Zen Followers.
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Bun Cu Pho Sat – Manjusri Bodhisatva
