Illustration of the Amitayurdhyana Sutra

KOREA; Goryeo dynasty

According to the Amitayurdhyana Sutra, King Bimbisara’s son Ajatasatru usurped his throne and imprisoned him. Queen Vaidehi was also placed under house arrest. The queen prayed for help, and the Buddha responded by appearing and teaching her the Sixteen Contemplations.
The buildings in the painting represent the royal palace. On the first story of the building on the right, Ajatasatru, Queen Vaidehi, and the two ministers are depicted. In the upper story of the building, King Bimbisara and Queen Vaidehi stand with their palms joined. Beside them, the great disciples Maudgalyayana and Purna hover in the air. On the first story of the building on the left, Purna teaches the Dharma to King Bimbisara, and on the second story, Queen Vaidehi stands alone, praying for help. The Buddha sits upon clouds at the top of the painting, flanked by his disciples. Each scene is accompanied by a small inscription written with gold characters. The clouds in the background and the trees in front of the palace give depth to the illustration.