Mogao Cave 45: Illustration of the Amitayurdhyana Sutra - Ajatasatru

CHINA, Gansu, Dunhuang; Tang dynasty

This mural is painted on the right side of the north wall within the main chamber, and dates from the High Tang period (712–756). According to the Amitayurdhyana Sutra, there was enmity between Prince Ajatasatru of Magadha and his father, King Bimbisara, even before the prince was born. When he grew up, the prince usurped the throne and imprisoned his father. He intended to starve him to death; however, his mother, Queen Vaidehi, would smuggle food into the prison for her husband the king. When the prince learned of this, he prepared to attack his mother with a sword. Prevented by his advisers from killing the queen, Prince Ajatasatru instead imprisoned her inside the palace. The queen prayed to the Buddha for release. Eventually, the Buddha appeared with his disciples Maudgalyayana and Ananda, as well as the Four Heavenly Kings, and taught Queen Vaidehi the Sixteen Contemplations.
From bottom to top, the mural is divided into four scenes, as follows: Prince Ajatasatru plots against his father with a guard; two advisers stop the prince from stabbing Queen Vaidehi; the queen pays respect to the Buddha from her room where she is imprisoned and the Buddha arrives with Ananda; and the Buddha with his disciples on Vulture Peak.