Fo Guang Shan Taipei Vihara Tathagata Hall Mural

TAIWAN, Taipei

This mural, located on the circular wall of the Tathagata Hall of Fo Guang Shan Taipei Vihara, depicts two retinues led by Manjusri and Samantabhadra Bodhisattvas. Manjusri holds a staff and rides on a lion. Samantabhadra sits upon a six-tusked white elephant. Both of the Bodhisattvas have a dignified appearance and wear crowns on their heads. Their nimbuses and aureoles are adorned with geometric patterns. Large white auras are painted around the Bodhisattvas, enveloping their mounts and several attendant figures. The retinues are composed of Dharma protectors, heavenly beings, heavenly musicians, and apsaras. The apsaras are on floating clouds and hold offerings in their hands.
All the figures in the mural are elegantly drawn with smooth lines. The mural exemplifies the beauty of modern Buddhist art, achieved through the coordination of traditional Chinese fine brushwork and Western shading and coloring techniques. The pale colors in the mural harmonize with the color tone in the Tathagata Hall.