Mogao Cave 103: Illustration of the Vimalakirti Sutra - Chapter on Buddha Land

CHINA, Gansu, Dunhuang; Tang dynasty

Located above the entrance on the front (east) wall of the main chamber, this painting depicts the Buddha teaching at Amra Gardens in the city of Vaishali, a scene described in the “Chapter on Buddha Land” in the Vimalakirti Sutra. In the sutra, Licchavi Ratnakara and 500 elders’ sons present 500 jeweled parasols to the Buddha as offerings. The Buddha then combines the hundreds of parasols into one magnificent canopy that manifests across the boundless universe.
On the right side of the middle register, the Buddha sits on a throne, resting his feet on a lotus pedestal. Two standing disciples and two seated Bodhisattvas flank the Buddha, and a jeweled canopy hangs overhead. Licchavi Ratnakara, dressed in a brown robe, stands on the lower right beside the Buddha. A group of white-robed elders’ sons stand opposite him, each holding jeweled parasols in offering. On the far right is Vimalakirti, holding a whisk in his left hand and manifesting clouds from his upturned right hand. On top of the clouds, seven figures are depicted sitting in full lotus position with palms joined. On the left side of the scene, a second Buddha figure sits on a lotus throne, accompanied by two Bodhisattvas.