Kizil Cave 80: Harmony Among Animals

CHINA, Xinjiang, Aksu

This mural is situated on the right side of the barrel-vaulted ceiling in the main chamber. According to the Dharmagupta Vinaya, there was once an elephant, monkey, and bird who lived beneath a banyan tree. One day, they discussed seniority in accordance with age and found that the bird was the oldest, the monkey second oldest, and the elephant the youngest. Therefore, the elephant carried the monkey who, in turn, carried the bird on top of its head. They traveled everywhere to proclaim that those who respect their elders can abide in the Dharma, become prestigious in this life, and be reborn in an upper realm in the next life.
In the illustration, a white elephant carries the monkey with the bird resting on the monkey’s head. The monkey raises his right hand to form a mudra. Harmoniously, they travel together to teach the Dharma.