Kumtura Cave 43: Viryabala Jataka

CHINA, Xinjiang, Aksu

This painting is located on the north side of the barrel-vaulted ceiling of the main chamber and depicts a scene of the monk Viryabala leading a spiritual life in the forest. According to the “Chapter on Tranquility” of the Dharmapadavadana Sutra, Viryabala was always followed by four animals: a dove, a crow, a snake, and a deer. One day the animals asked each other about what in the world constitutes the most suffering. The dove said, “Sexual desire;” the crow responded, “Hunger;” the snake replied, “Anger;” and the deer answered, “Fear.” Viryabala, however, taught them that it was the physical body. The painting depicts Viryabala seated on a Sumeru throne with the four animals before him, each with their head raised and listening attentively to Viryabala teaching of the Dharma.