Kizil Cave 47: Seated Buddha

CHINA, Xinjiang, Aksu

Located above the entrance to the corridor on the left side within the main chamber, this seated Buddha wears a monastic robe which covers both shoulders. The Buddha’s hands form the dhyana (meditation) mudra, and the face appears amiable. The aureole behind the Buddha consists of numerous magnificent layers, and pointed flames rise from the shoulders. It is likely that this is Arciskandha Buddha, as characterized by his flaming shoulders. The flames symbolize the Buddha’s wisdom, which radiates with bright intensity. Their placement over the shoulders refers to the Buddha’s two kinds of wisdom, capable of both shouldering himself and all other sentient beings. It is believed that the style of this piece originated from Bagram, Afghanistan. The seated Buddha is surrounded by bright wish-fulfilling jewels which radiate rays of light as he scatters them over the human realm for the benefit of sentient beings. Numerous rain droplets fall from the sky.
Within the Kuchean caves, the majority of Buddhist murals use mountains, trees, fauna, and the like for decorative effect. The use of Buddhist implements and treasures in the background of images such as those seen here and elsewhere in this cave is unusual.