From the Mahayana Sutra of the Noble Source of the Three Jewels
Manjushri and the Vast Dharmadhatu
The youthful bodhisattva Manjushri is revered as the embodiment of awakened wisdom. The teachings describe him as abiding within the dharmadhatu, the boundless nature of reality itself, while compassionately teaching the Dharma without attachment.
When a bodhisattva asked the Buddha how long Manjushri had remained within this profound realm, the Buddha explained that immeasurable ages had passed since his first entry into the dharmadhatu. Across countless eons, innumerable buddhas appeared in the world, and many of them were established in unsurpassed awakening through the guidance and wisdom of Manjushri.
These buddhas arose in many different worlds and times, taught the Dharma, and eventually passed into complete nirvana in pure realms. Their appearance throughout the ages reflects the immeasurable activity of enlightened wisdom working continuously for the benefit of beings.
The Brahmin Called Given by the Sun
Long ago, during the time of a Buddha known as Supreme Joy, there lived a learned and upright brahmin named Given by the Sun. Intelligent and devoted to spiritual inquiry, he traveled with many other brahmins in search of deeper understanding.
One day they encountered eleven great bodhisattvas seated peacefully in a beautiful park. Seeing their presence filled the brahmin with reverence and wonder.
Among those bodhisattvas was one known as Given Fame, who immediately recognized the spiritual potential within the brahmin. He explained that this man possessed the qualities necessary to become a vessel for unsurpassed awakening and could benefit many beings if properly guided.
The brahmin approached them respectfully, bowed before them as teachers, and listened attentively to their teachings.
The Teaching on the Nature of All Phenomena
The bodhisattvas explained how rare it is for a Buddha to appear in the world and how profound the Dharma truly is. They taught that the nature of all phenomena is beyond birth and cessation.
According to this teaching, phenomena are ultimately without independent existence. Like a drawing traced in open space, they appear yet have never truly arisen and do not truly endure.
Hearing this profound teaching brought great joy to the brahmin and those who accompanied him.
Vision of Countless Worlds
Later, the brahmin and the bodhisattvas entered the presence of the Buddha Supreme Joy and listened to further teachings on the nature of reality.
Through the strength of virtue and devotion, the brahmin experienced a vision of countless worlds throughout the ten directions. In those realms he saw bodhisattvas practicing skillful means — taking birth, guiding beings, attaining enlightenment, and passing into nirvana for the welfare of all.
Filled with devotion, he praised the Buddha in verse, creating great merit that would support his spiritual path across innumerable lifetimes.
The Identity of Manjushri
The scriptures later reveal that the bodhisattva known as Given Fame became the bodhisattva Guardian of Goodness, while the brahmin Given by the Sun eventually became the youthful Manjushri himself.
From this story arises an important teaching: those who wish to progress toward awakening should rely upon spiritual friends and wise teachers. By seeking guidance and listening deeply to the Dharma, one gradually enters the dharmadhatu and develops the capacity to benefit countless beings.
For this reason, bodhisattvas are encouraged to remain inquisitive and eager to hear the profound teachings of the Dharma.
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