Kizil Cave 224: Maitreya Bodhisattva Teaching the Dharma

CHINA, Xinjiang, Aksu

This mural was on the semicircular wall above the doorway in the main chamber. Maitreya Bodhisattva is seated in the center with legs crossed at the ankles. Poised and solemn, the Bodhisattva’s eyes are slightly open and on the head is a triple-disc crown. The left hand is at the waist and the right is raised to form the vitarka (teaching) mudra. The Bodhisattva is clad in a flowing stole draped over the arms. There are ornaments on the wrists and upper arms, and a sash around the waist. There are four Bodhisattvas listening to the teaching on each side. They all wear triple-disc crowns and are seated with legs crossed at the ankles. The two Bodhisattvas adjacent to Maitreya listen to the teaching with palms joined. The other three on each side appear to be in conversation. The Bodhisattvas are vividly depicted, and appear to be sharing their thoughts and expressing joy upon hearing the Dharma.