Yungang Grotto 10: Grdhra Revealing the Wrongdoings of the Hunter

CHINA, Shanxi, Datong; Northern Wei dynasty

The illustration is located on the left side of the south wall in the rear chamber, and was carved according to the story of Grdhra found in the Samyukta Ratna Pitaka Sutra. Sakyamuni Buddha tells of the story after he uncovers Devadatta’s plot to kill him. It takes place in the ancient kingdom of Varanasi, where a hunter pretended to be a heavenly being in order to hunt the birds. Grdhra revealed the wrongdoings of the hunter so that everyone realized the truth. The Buddha then revealed that Grdhra and the hunter were past lives of Sakyamuni Buddha and Devadatta, respectively.
The house-shaped niche is framed by draped curtains and features the Buddha seated in full lotus position. The Buddha has a high usnisa and a compassionate expression, with a slight smile on the lips. The figure wears monastic robes that cover one shoulder, and forms the abhaya (fearlessness) mudra with one hand. The Buddha has a lotus nimbus, while the mandorla is filled with flames. He is flanked by five figures on each side, all with high usnisas or headdresses, and wear long stoles and lower garments. Devadatta pretends to be remorseful as he prostrates to the Buddha before the throne.