Yong’an Temple Dharma Transmission Hall: Water and Land Dharma Service Murals - Wisdom Kings

CHINA, Shanxi, Datong; Ming dynasty

Buddhas manifest as fierce Wisdom Kings out of compassion, frightening sentient beings in order to break the hold of illusion and lead them towards liberation. These depictions of the Wisdom Kings are part of the murals on the north wall of Dharma Transmission Hall. Although there are no inscriptions naming each king, comparison with the pictures of the Wisdom Kings in the Water and Land Dharma Service Collection at Baoning Temple in Shanxi suggests that they are Hayagriva, Aparajita, Acala, Padanaksipa, Mahacakravajra, Yamantaka, Vajrahasa, Niadanda, Trailokyavijaya, and Amrtakundalin.
The intimidating Wisdom Kings have wide eyes, colorful faces, and hair that stands straight up above their heads. One of the kings tears away his wrathful visage to reveal the compassionate face of a Buddha. Necklaces, bracelets, ornaments, and fluttering stoles cover their upper bodies. They hold an array of Dharma implements in their multiple hands. Each king rides on the back of a different animal including an elephant, a tiger, and a lion. Small figures stand beside the beasts. The colorful images are filled with finely painted details. The exaggerated faces of the kings convey their power to shock and awaken sentient beings.