Eastern Thousand Buddha Cave 2: Medicine Buddha Propagating the Dharma

CHINA, Gansu, Guazhou; Western Xia period

This mural is located on the right side of the outer wall of the rear corridor. It depicts the Medicine Buddha traveling with two disciples, propagating the Dharma.
The tall Medicine Buddha stands between the two disciples. The Buddha’s hair is dark blue, and the head is surrounded by a glowing green nimbus. The figure’s face is long, with arched eyebrows and a downward gaze. The body is clothed in a monastic robe. One hand holds a medicine bowl to the chest, while the other carries a long monk’s staff. The medicine bowl is white with a light blue outline, and has been painted with a transparent appearance. Both feet are placed on lotuses with one in front of the other.
The two attendant disciples both have their palms joined. Each wears a layered monastic robe and has a nimbus behind their head. Dark floating clouds surround the three figures.