Mogao Cave 217: Illustration of the Lotus Sutra

CHINA, Gansu, Dunhuang; Tang dynasty

This mural extends across the south and front (east) walls of the main chamber. In the center of the south wall is an image of the Buddha expounding the Lotus Sutra to an assembly on Vulture Peak, a scene described in the “Introductory Chapter” of the sutra. The Buddha is seated in full lotus position and wears a robe that leaves the right shoulder exposed. There is an urna between the eyebrows radiating light that pervades the 18,000 worlds of the east, represented by buildings arrayed within clouds at the top of the mural. Behind the Buddha are a circular nimbus and aureole, and a decorative canopy hangs overhead. Bodhisattvas and disciples surround the Buddha, and figures make offerings before him.
On either side and below the central image are scenes from the different chapters of the Lotus Sutra, all set within a mountain landscape. There are scenes from the “Chapter on Skillful Means,” “Chapter on Similes and Parables,” “Chapter on Belief and Understanding,” “Chapter on the Parable of the Phantom City,” “Chapter on the Dharma Masters,” “Chapter on Devadatta,” “Chapter on Peaceful Practices,” “Chapter on the Merit of Rejoicing,” “Chapter on the Past Deeds of Bhaisajyaraja Bodhisattva,” “Chapter on the Past Deeds of King Subhavyaha,” and others. An illustration of the “Universal Gateway Chapter” extends onto the front wall of the cave. Although each chapter is an independent narrative, the images are connected by the common backdrop of the landscape, providing a sense of unity and cohesion. The scale of this visual representation is unprecedented, exemplifying the innovations in sutra illustrations that occurred during the High Tang period (712–756).