Yulin Cave 38: Buddha Teaching the Dharma

CHINA, Gansu, Guazhou; Five Dynasties

This Vajrayana illustration is located on the right side of the north wall within the main chamber. A similar mural is painted opposite, along the south wall. Some scholars believe this mural depicts Amitabha Buddha.
A Sumeru throne with five lions depicted on it rises from a pond in the center of the illustration. Supported upon the Sumeru throne is a Buddha seated in full lotus position upon a lotus throne. One hand of the figure rests upon the knee while the other forms the vitarka (teaching) mudra. There is an ornate back screen painted behind the Buddha, and a canopy is suspended above the head. Fourteen Bodhisattvas are painted along the sides of the mural, each seated upon a lotus throne. Tendrils twining among the thrones connect them to a main branch sprouting from the central pond. Two smaller figures kneeling on lotus flowers with palms joined are depicted in the pond, below the Sumeru throne. A warrior holding a rope and scepter is depicted in each of the lower corners.