Songgwangsa Temple Avatamsaka Hall: Illustration of the Avatamsaka Sutra

SOUTH KOREA, South Jeolla, Suncheon; Joseon dynasty

The Avatamsaka Sutra’s descriptions of the nine great assemblies in which the Dharma was taught became the basis for numerous artworks created during the Goryeo (918–1392) and Joseon (1392–1910) dynasties. In this Joseon dynasty work, all nine assemblies are depicted in a single painting covered with small figures.
Buddha’s with green nimbuses and white aureoles are surrounded by crowds of smaller disciples and Bodhisattvas. The fourth assembly at Suyama Heaven is painted in the top left corner. In the top right corner, the sixth assembly at Paranirmitavashavartin Heaven is shown. In the middle register, the third assembly at Trayastrimsa Heaven is on the left and the fifth assembly at Tusita Heaven is on the right. The ninth assembly at Jetavana Monastery is portrayed in the bottom left corner. In the middle of the lower register, the first assembly at Bodhinanda is illustrated. On the far right, there are images of the second, seventh, and eighth assemblies at the Universal Light Palace.