Yulin Cave 25: Illustration of the Sutra on the Descent of Maitreya

CHINA, Gansu, Guazhou; Tang dynasty

This illustration from the Mid-Tang period (756–846) is located on the north wall of the main chamber. It is based on the Sutra on the Descent of Maitreya and depicts the three assemblies of Maitreya Buddha. The first assembly is the focal point of the mural. Maitreya sits with legs pendent beneath a dragon flower tree, teaching the Dharma. Lotus Grove Bodhisattva and Great Wonderful Appearance Bodhisattva flank the Buddha. Encompassing them is an assembly of sages and the Eight Classes of Dharma Protectors. The second and third assemblies, located at the bottom left and right corners respectively, also depict Maitreya teaching the Dharma. The three assemblies create a triangular formation.
The remaining space in the illustration mage displays scenes of Maitreya Bodhisattva descending from Tusita Heaven to Ketumati Jambudvipa, as well as numerous visual analogies for various concepts and scenes including “long life,” “seven yields from a single seed,” “clothes which grow from trees,” “renunciation,” “final farewell,” “high moral standards in society,” and “marriage.”