Bingling Temple Cave 168: Eight-Armed Bodhisattva

CHINA, Gansu, Linxia; Ming dynasty

This mural is located on the south wall, to the right of the nimbus of a Heavenly King. The Eight-Armed, Three-Headed Bodhisattva sits in full lotus position upon a lotus throne. The skin is painted white with the exception of the two heads on the sides, which are green and greenish gray, causing them to blend in with the nimbus behind. The Bodhisattva wears earrings, necklaces, armlets, bracelets, and anklets. The figure has wide shoulders and a thin waist, and wears only a lower garment with the upper torso bared. Two of the arms are held in front of the chest, one holding a vajra and the other forming a mudra. Of the remaining left arms, the top hand makes the abhaya (fearlessness) mudra, the second holds a bow, and the third holds a vase. Of the right hands the top one holds a Buddha image, the second holds an arrow, and the third forms the varada (wish-granting) mudra.