Yulin Cave 4: Buddha Teaching the Dharma

CHINA, Gansu, Guazhou; Yuan dynasty

This mural is located on the right side of the south wall and features a central Buddha, who sits in full lotus position on a Sumeru throne supported by a large lotus. The lotus sprouts from the center of a black pond, which is filled with numerous smaller lotuses. The Buddha wears a white monastic robe over both shoulders, and displays the Dharmacakra (Dharma wheel) mudra. Eighteen Buddhas seated upon lotuses are distributed evenly across the pond.
An arched border frames the main mural. An animal head is found in the center of each side: at the top is a horse’s head, at the bottom an elephant, to the left a bull, and on the right a lion. Depicted at the top and on both sides are apsaras who float on clouds and make offerings.