Kizil Cave 97: Life of the Buddha - Triumph over Six Non-Buddhist Teachers

CHINA, Xinjiang, Aksu

This mural is located above the niche on the back wall of the main chamber. According to the Sutra of the Wise and the Foolish, when the Buddha was once at the Venuvana Monastery in Rajagriha, he engaged in a competition with six non-Buddhist spiritual teachers. The six teachers failed to defeat the Buddha and committed suicide by jumping into the river. Their disciples then followed the Buddha.
This painting illustrates the scene where the Buddha debates the six non-Buddhist teachers. The Buddha is seated in full lotus position in the center, wearing a monastic robe. Above his nimbus and aureole are three seated Buddha images, and to his right are the six non-Buddhist teachers in Brahmin-style attire. Guhyapadavajra, located above them, holds a vajra and attacks the six teachers. Six Bodhisattvas, who appear calm and at ease as they listen to the Buddha’s teachings, can be seen on the left. A substantial portion of the mural has unfortunately blackened over time.