An 19th Century or earlier tsakli depicting in mineral pigments the flaming Wisdom Sword with a vajra handle, the blue iron blade emanating a blazing mass of flames, representing the blazing victory of enlightenment over the hindering forces of ignorance. As a symbol of wisdom the sword cuts through the veils of ignorance, severing the knots of illusion that bind beings to delusion and obscure the absolute truth. Manjushri, the bodhisattva of wisdom holds aloft in his right hand the flaming sky-blue sword of awareness that cuts through the net of misunderstanding.
Next to the flaming sword is a great burst of Wisdom Fire - the fire which emanates from Vajrakilaya's palm, or coils from the root of his index finger, and symbolizes his total incineration of the 5 delusions or obscuring emotions. Likewise, wisdom fire is also seen at the tips of Yamantaka's sharp horns symbolising the realisation of absolute truth. Two lines of text and a single syllable to the reverse side. 12.1 x 15.7cm