Kizil Cave 80: Life of the Buddha - Teaching the Gandharva King

CHINA, Xinjiang, Aksu

This painting is located on the left wall within the rear corridor. According to the Mulasarvastivada Vinaya-Vastu, there was a gandharva king who was very arrogant because he thought his musical talent was outstanding. The Buddha disguised himself as a music deity to compete with the gandharva king in playing the harp. The Buddha won the contest, and the gandharva king realized his arrogance, repented, and took refuge in the Buddha.
Disguised as a music deity, the Buddha is depicted on the left side of the painting. He wears a crown with a single pearl at the top. The upper body is bare, and he stands with legs crossed while the left arm rests on the gandharva king’s shoulder. The gandharva king has a crown with a flower at the top and wears numerous ornaments. This painting is part of the Parinirvana mural on the outer wall of the rear corridor.