Yulin Cave 4: Avalokitesvara Mandala

CHINA, Gansu, Guazhou; Yuan dynasty

This mandala is located in the center of the south wall in Cave 4. The mandala consists of an inner square within an outer circle; the square is divided into four triangles painted blue, red, green, and black. The center of the mandala features an Eight-Armed Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva with golden skin, sitting in full lotus position upon a lotus throne. Six of the hands hold objects, including a lotus, bow, arrow, and other Dharma instruments. Three Bodhisattvas are depicted in each row above and below Avalokitesvara, while on each side is a blue warrior. In the four corners are Bodhisattvas in blue, red, green, and black, making four different forms of offering including music and dance. Painted around the border of the inner square are sixteen apsaras.
Gates are located on all four sides of the inner square, with banners raised on each side. The outer circle has three borders that are decorated with lotuses, vajras, and flame patterns. Outside the circle in each corner are seated Bodhisattvas that make offerings of incense, flowers, a lamp, and perfume. They sit on lotus thrones connected by white stems. The spaces between the Bodhisattvas are decorated with white lotuses and green leaves. Five Dhyani Buddhas flanked by two Bodhisattvas are depicted at the very top of the mural above the mandala.