Kizil Cave 98: Life of the Buddha - Conversion of the Three Kasyapa Brothers

CHINA, Xinjiang, Aksu

This painting is located on the left wall of the main chamber. According to the Buddhacarita, the Kasyapa brothers were ascetic practitioners and fire worshippers who were well respected and had many followers. The Buddha, in a contest of supernatural powers with them, subdued a fire naga and extinguished the flames. The Kasyapa brothers then knew that they were no match and took refuge in the Buddha. Afterwards, their 1,000 disciples were also converted.
This mural illustrates the scene where the eldest Kasyapa brother takes refuge in the Buddha. The Buddha is seated in full lotus position on a rectangular throne in the center, wearing a monastic robe that bares the right shoulder. Six figures of heavenly beings and disciples, either sit or stand on the left. In front of the Buddha on the lower right is the eldest Kasyapa brother, who also wears a monastic robe and kneels before him. The story is a common theme among cave murals in Kucha.