Palcho Monastery Central Hall: Life of the Buddha

CHINA, Tibet, Gyantse

Situated along the corridor on the second story of the central hall, these 15th century murals depict events from the Life of the Buddha including Queen Maya’s Dream, the Birth of Prince Siddhartha, Renunciation, Enlightenment, First Turning of the Dharma Wheel, Return from Trayastrimsa Heaven, Parinirvana, Cremation, and the Construction of Stupas.
In Queen Maya’s Dream, the queen sits on a bed within the palace, accompanied by her relatives and maids. A palace maid stands outside holding a vessel, ready to serve the queen. Apsaras sit on clouds in the upper corners. In Return from Trayastrimsa Heaven, the Buddha descends a ladder back down to the human world, escorted by Brahma, Sakra, and Bodhisattvas. Joyous disciples respectfully await his return. The illustration of Parinirvana shows the Buddha reclining on his right side, supporting his head with his right hand. He enters into parinirvana peacefully beneath twin sala trees, surrounded by mourning disciples, Bodhisattvas, and heavenly beings. The next scene portrays disciples lifting the casket of the Buddha, his cremation, and the erection of stupas to hold the relics of the Buddha. The scenes are separated by decorative plants and flowers.