Toling Monastery White Hall: Akasagarbha Bodhisattva

CHINA, Tibet, Ngari; Guge Kingdom

This mural on the west wall of the White Hall portrays Akasagarbha Bodhisattva sitting at ease on a lotus throne with inverted petals. The white Bodhisattva wears a delicate crown, round earrings, and ornaments. Arched eyebrows above nearly horizontal eyes give the face a relaxed expression. Stoles are wrapped around the shoulders and arms; the lower body is covered with a finely patterned garment. The Bodhisattva’s right hand rests on the right knee and forms the varada (wish-granting) mudra. The left hand gently grasps a thin lotus stem that winds its way around the arm before blooming into full flower. In the lower register, two warriors strain to support the Bodhisattva’s lotus throne. Four-armed figures appear to dance beside them. Two more four-armed figures stand beside Akasagarbha’s nimbus. An ornate arch decorated with scrolling patterns and images of auspicious creatures forms the border of the scene.