Dharmapala Thangka CentreTibetan Antiques

This very old tsa tsa shows the Bodhisattva of Wisdom Manjushri. He is sitting on a single layered lotus throne. In his right hand he holds his flaming sword of wisdom, with which he cuts through the roots of ignorance. In Tibetan Buddhism, ignorance is one of the three basic evils of humanity, along with hatred and greed. All suffering on earth can be traced back to at least one of these negative human characteristics. Manjushri's fight against ignorance therefore has a prominent role in the buddhist teachings. All suffering on earth can be traced back to at least one of these negative human characteristics.

On his left, a square Tibetan book [a manuscript of the Prajnaparamitra Sutra] rests on a lotus flower. On the right and left side are two small stupas that are connected to him by fine lines.

The heavily weathered, illegible inscription suggests a script similar to the Indian »Kutila« script that was used from the 8^th - 12^th centuries. The two small stupas to the left and right of Manjushri are a pretty sure indication of old age. On Tsa Tsas of younger date this symbol is not found.