Mogao Cave 320: Illustration of the Amitayurdhyana Sutra

CHINA, Gansu, Dunhuang; Tang dynasty

This mural is on the north wall of the main chamber. The Western Pure Land is depicted with Amitabha Buddha in the center, flanked by Avalokitesvara and Mahasthamaprapta Bodhisattvas, all seated on lotus thrones. The Buddha wears a monastic robe draped over the left shoulder and is seated in full lotus position. The Buddha’s nimbus is decorated with colorful swirl and cloud patterns, and the aureole is bordered in a key pattern. Avalokitesvara and Mahasthamaprapta Bodhisattvas are seated with palms joined and face slightly towards the Buddha. They wear headdresses and stoles, and have nimbuses and aureoles. The three are seated in a palace hall and Bodhisattvas are dispersed around them. On each side is a Bodhisattva in contemplation seated within an open pavilion. Five clouds rise above Amitabha Buddha. On the three central clouds are a Buddha and two attendant Bodhisattvas, while the two outermost clouds carry buildings. In the upper right and left corners are a Buddha and two Bodhisattvas seated on clouds which descend toward the ground. Below Amitabha Buddha is a large lotus pond with lotus-born children, birds, and animals. Platforms over the lotus pond hold a dancer and musicians in the center, and a Buddha with Bodhisattvas on each side.
The vertical panel on the left of the mural illustrates the Sixteen Contemplations from the Amitayurdhyana Sutra, and the panel on the right illustrates the story of Ajatasatru. Both have landscapes at the top, with steep cliffs and oceanic vistas providing them with a sense of sweeping broadness, while the scenes below unfold in open fields and courtyards.