Mogao Cave 148: Illustration of the Mahaparinirvana Sutra - Cunda’s Last Offering

CHINA, Gansu, Dunhuang; Tang dynasty

Located on the left side of the large High Tang period (712–756) mural on the back (west) wall of the main chamber, this scene depicts the “Chapter on Cunda” from the Mahaparinirvana Sutra. It illustrates the Buddha accepting a food offering from Cunda, the son of a blacksmith from Kushinagar, after refusing offerings from other beings including lay devotees, King and Queen of Vaishali, other kings and queens, naga king, and garuda king.
Sakyamuni Buddha sits in full lotus position upon a lotus throne. The altar placed before the Buddha is covered with all forms of offerings. On the left beside the Buddha are Limitless Body Bodhisattva and the Bodhisattva’s retinue, garuda king Vaisravana, the deities of the four seas, the River Deity, and others. To the right are Mara, the Eight Classes of Dharma Protectors, heavenly beings, naga king, and various animals, among others. A caption states, “Cunda, son of a blacksmith of Kushinagar, prostrates to the Buddha.”