Kizil Cave 80: Jataka of the Dove’s Self-Sacrifice

CHINA, Xinjiang, Aksu

Located on the left side of the barrel-vaulted ceiling in the main chamber, this mural depicts a story described in the Mahaprajnaparamita Sastra. According to the story, a dove once lived happily on a snow-covered mountain. One day, a man trapped on the mountain was about to die of cold and hunger. The compassionate dove lite a fire to keep the man warm, and then threw itself into the fire so that he had nourishment.
In the diamond-shaped illustration, the Buddha is seated in full lotus position on a high platform, wearing a monastic robe which bares the right shoulder. A dove is to the right of the Buddha, and to the left is a man who holds a tall, slender staff. An image of the dove burning in the fire is depicted at the top right, while a man seated beneath a tree reaches out towards the burning dove.