Fahai Temple Great Hero Hall: Sudhana

CHINA, Beijing; Ming dynasty

This image of Sudhana is located to the lower right of the large Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva painted on the back of the screen wall in the Great Hero Hall. According to the “Gandavyuha Chapter” of the Avatamsaka Sutra, Sudhana traveled to the mountains in search of Avalokitesvara. When he came to a flowing spring by a cavern, he spotted the Bodhisattva sitting in full lotus position on a diamond throne. He leaped up joyfully and looked upon Avalokitesvara so earnestly that he did not even blink.
In this mural, Sudhana has a nimbus and joins his palms in reverence. His topknots are secured with red headbands and he wears earrings, ornaments, and a billowing stole. Fine lines are used to portray soft and smooth skin. His focused gaze suggests his sincere pursuit of the Dharma.