Manjushree Bodhisattva is the embodiment of the characteristics of the Enlightened Mind i.e. Discriminating Wisdom. Manjushree Bodhisattva has the ability to see the nature of reality as it is. Manjushree Bodhisattva is seen holding the flaming sword of wisdom with his right hand and Bodhisattva a book called Prajnaparamita with his left hand. Manjushree Bodhisattva has many names such as Manjuvajra, Manjughosa, Vagishvara, Arapacana, etc. In Mahayana Buddhist tradition he is regarded as having supreme wisdom among Bodhisattvas. He is also called prince of the Dharma because of his eloquent wisdom.

According to the Surangamasamadhi sutra, he became a Buddha in past immeasurable aeons ago although he manifests as the assistant to the Shakyamuni Buddha. According to the Manjushreevyuhalamkara Sutra, he was the teacher of countless Buddhas in the past and led numerous cultivators to certify the fruit of Buddhahood. He is thus called the Mother of all Buddhas in Three worlds. In Namasangiti text he is designated as Adi-Buddha, the primordial Buddha i.e. embodiment of All self-existing Awareness. He is said to have cut the gorge of Chovar hill with his flaming sword Chandrahasa and let the waters flow out and thereby opened the valley for human habitation and spread the Buddha dharma.

In Gandavyuha sutra it is said that Manjushree incited Bodhisattva Sudhana to seek dharmas of enlightenment from 53 Kalyanamitras.

Wu-Tai-Shah Mountain of Mainland China is said to be the bodhimanda of Manjushree.