Maijishan Grotto 127: Illustration of the Mahaparinirvana Sutra

CHINA, Gansu, Tianshui; Western Wei dynasty

Located on the back wall, this illustration of the Mahapranirvana Sutra depicts scenes such as the Buddha’s Last Teaching and the Distribution of Relics Among the Eight Kings as described in the Mahaparinirvana Sutra. A horizontal band divides the deteriorated mural into upper and lower registers. A Buddha niche further separates the lower register into right and left sections. The depiction of the story flows from right to left.
Above the Buddha niche, a Buddha sits in full lotus position on a Sumeru throne. Flanked by two Bodhisattvas, the Buddha teaches the Mahaparinirvana Sutra. To the left of the Buddha, a scene portrays the Buddha’s last teaching prior to parinirvana. Mahakasyapa touches the foot of the Buddha. Before the bed, various beings gather to beg the Buddha not to depart.
Portrayed to the right of the seated Buddha is the battle between the eight kings for the Buddha’s relics, which encompasses more than half of the mural. The soldiers holding swords, spears, and shields, represent the battle field. Fluttering banners surround the cremation site. A platform inside a walled structure supports the eight sets of relics. A depiction of a carriage with knights symbolizes the kings returning to their kingdoms with the relics. In front of the carriage is a stupa where the kings prostrate with respect. In the lower section, a number of people gather near the Ganges River. Above the river opposite the disciples, courtiers and attendants hold parasols, banners, and flags.