Mogao Cave 217: Buddha Teaching the Dharma

CHINA, Gansu, Dunhuang; Tang dynasty

This mural is located on the ceiling of the back (west) wall niche within the main chamber. The left part of the image is damaged. The Buddha is seated in full lotus position in the center, wearing a monastic robe draped over the left shoulder. A canopy decorated with flaming jewels hangs above the Buddha. There are two Bodhisattvas to the right of the Buddha, one standing and the other seated with legs crossed. The mural is framed in swirling clouds, and includes scenes of the Buddha teaching four groups of devotees, his return to Kapilavastu, and Rahula becoming a monk. Each of the scenes is accompanied by a description within a cartouche.
In the scene of the Buddha’s return to Kapilavastu, Sakyamuni stands barefoot on a lotus pedestal. His right hand forms the abhaya (fearlessness) mudra and he holds a bowl in his left hand. The Buddha is accompanied by four disciples who join their palms and stand facing each other. The Buddha’s aunt stands below the city gate with outstretched arms to welcome him. Beside her are two women who join their palms, one of them kneeling on the ground.