Kizil Cave 77: Buddhist Stories

CHINA, Xinjiang, Aksu

These diamond-shaped images are located on the barrel-vaulted ceiling of the right corridor. The upper register contains illustrations of meditation, which are divided into two rows. The upper row is largely damaged; the only distinguishable images are a thin monkey seated in full lotus position with its hands in dhyana (meditation) mudra, and some animals to the left of the monkey. A heavenly being, whose right leg is raised in an elegant posture, is situated below. To the right a monk sits in full lotus position on a round seat, forming the dhyana (meditation) mudra. Other images include mountains, trees, and birds. In a half-diamond shape below them is Vayu.
The lower register contains a heavenly palace balcony bordered by a strip of foliate patterns. Standing behind a balustrade on the balcony are Maitreya Bodhisattva, Brahma, and Sakra, flanked by heavenly beings on both sides. Some of these beings play musical instruments while others dance or hold flowers. Brahma and Sakra both have their palms joined in reverence and face toward Maitreya. Warriors stand guard below the balcony.