Mogao Cave 45: Illustration of the Lotus Sutra - Chapter on the Emergence of the Prabhutaratna Pagoda

CHINA, Gansu, Dunhuang; Tang dynasty

Located on the ceiling of the niche on the back (west) wall of the main chamber, this mural dates to the High Tang period (712–756). It illustrates the “Chapter on the Emergence of the Prabhutaratna Pagoda” in the Lotus Sutra, in which Prabhutaratna Buddha declared that his pagoda would manifest before anyone who skillfully taught the Lotus Sutra. Subsequently, when Sakyamuni Buddha began expounding the sutra, the Prabhutaratna Pagoda arose, and he opened it with his fingers. Sakyamuni was invited by Prabhutaratna Buddha into the pagoda, the two Buddhas sat together, and the attending assembly was levitated into vast emptiness.
In the mural, Sakyamuni and Prabhutaratna Buddhas are seated within the Prabhutaratna Pagoda in the center. The pagoda is elaborately decorated and has a domed roof. The two Buddhas are turned toward each other and discuss the Dharma. On each side of the pagoda are two rows of Bodhisattvas, and the entire scene is encircled by colorful clouds.