Manjushri is viewed both as a historical Bodhisattva and as an emanation of Vairochana (also known as "Berotsana," Tibetan: nangpar nangdze, Japanese: Dainichi Nyorai), the primordial white Buddha who is compared to the sun. His nature is "everywhere-pervading." He manifests as a Bodhisattva to provoke investigation into deep topics such as Emptiness (or void-ness), free will, and the nature of the self.

Manjushri, the supreme deity and a fully enlightened being, has made a commitment for the benefit of sentient beings to manifest Buddha activity in the form of a Bodhisattva until samsara is empty. Even though he has fully attained enlightenment, he chooses to appear as a Bodhisattva. This is because only someone who has already attained the stages of realization can expound the profound meaning of the teachings of Buddha Shakyamuni. Ordinary people cannot understand the deeper meaning of the Buddha’s teachings unless they are explained by a realized being.

Manjushri is one of eight Bodhisattvas who have taken on the responsibility of explaining the limitless teachings of the Buddha, both sutras and tantric, and of demonstrating their complete and accurate meaning. As the embodiment of wisdom—the wisdom aspect—Manjushri, the Bodhisattva of Wisdom, helps make the teachings clear and increases our understanding of them, thereby increasing our own wisdom.