Mogao Cave 420: Illustration of the Lotus Sutra - Chapter on Similes and Parables

CHINA, Gansu, Dunhuang; Sui dynasty

This mural is located on the south slope of the ceiling and illustrates the “Chapter on Similes and Parables” of the Lotus Sutra. The parable of the burning house, one of seven parables in the chapter, is featured prominently. Buildings are ablaze in the center of the mural, and the sons of a wealthy elder are seen within a burning mansion. The parable describes how the sons were too amused by their play and so were oblivious to the impending danger. Between the burning buildings are a sheep cart, deer cart, and ox cart laden with precious gems and exotic goods. These carts show the elder’s use of expedient means in persuading his sons to leave. At the bottom, a crowd escapes from the flames by way of three white ox carts. These symbolize the adoption of the Buddha Vehicle over the other vehicles of Buddhism. On either side, the painting is filled with images of closely-erected buildings with complex sloping roofs and twisting walls between them. Trees grow in otherwise empty courtyards.