Toling Monastery White Hall: Monk Teaching the Dharma

CHINA, Tibet, Ngari; Guge Kingdom

This 15th century mural on the east wall of the White Hall portrays a monk teaching the Dharma. The monk wears a bright orange ritual hat and robe. A green nimbus surrounds his head. Both hands are held in front of the chest, forming the Dharmacakra (Dharma wheel) mudra. The monk sits on a cushion and turns his head to one side, looking down at the small figure of a disciple on the left. Standing behind an altar covered with offerings, the red-robed disciple holds an incense burner. Three more monks sit below the altar, all joining their palms. The figures are painted against a blue background. Trees and flowers form the border of the scene.