Mogao Cave 148: Illustration of the Mahaparinirvana Sutra - Introductory Chapter

CHINA, Gansu, Dunhuang; Tang dynasty

Located on the right side of the south wall within the main chamber, this scene is part of a large High Tang period (712–756) illustration of the Mahaparinirvana Sutra. The “Introductory Chapter” describes how Sakyamuni Buddha, while giving a teaching in the city of Kushinagar, announced that he would soon enter parinirvana, and invited final questions about the Dharma. Numerous devotees rushed to the Buddha, begging him not to leave the world.
Sakyamuni Buddha sits on a lotus throne in the center of the image, his right hand forming the vitarka (teaching) mudra and his left hand resting on his knee. His urna emits radiant light, and the rays manifest miniature Buddhas in the sky above, expressing the all-pervading Buddha nature that prevails throughout the universe. Surrounding Sakyamuni Buddha are Ocean of Virtue Bodhisattva, Aksayamati Bodhisattva, and disciples. At the bottom of the scene, the King and Queen of Vaishali, monks, nuns, and lay devotees make offerings to the Buddha.