Kizil Cave 80: Life of the Buddha - Teaching Hariti a Lesson

CHINA, Xinjiang, Aksu

This image is located on the right side of the barrel-vaulted ceiling in the main chamber. According to the Samyukta Ratna Pitaka Sutra, Hariti was a ferocious and violent demon who ate little children. When the Buddha heard about her actions, he took her youngest child and hid the child away in the bottom of a large bowl. Knowing that the Buddha had perfect wisdom, Hariti went to him for help. The Buddha used supernatural power to let Hariti see her child in the bowl. After listening to the Buddha’s teaching, Hariti repented, and took refuge and the five precepts. The Buddha then returned the child to her.
This painting depicts the scene of Hariti being given a teaching by the Buddha. In the diamond-shaped illustration, the Buddha is dressed in a red monastic robe and sits cross-legged on a rectangular throne. In front of him is a large bowl with Hariti’s child inside. Hariti sits to right of the Buddha with joined palms.