Mogao Cave 85: Illustration of the Returning Favors Sutra

CHINA, Gansu, Dunhuang; Tang dynasty

This mural is situated on the left side of the south wall in the main chamber. It was painted during the Late Tang period (846–907). In the upper middle register, Sakyamuni Buddha sits in full lotus position within a three-bay hall, flanked by two attendant Bodhisattvas. Clouds swirl upwards above the Buddha, carrying Buddhas and Bodhisattvas upon them. In front of Sakyamuni is an altar with a mountain censer. Bodhisattvas and heavenly beings gather to listen to the Dharma, while a figure dances before the altar, accompanied by musicians on either side.
This central image is surrounded by scenes representing the stories within the sutra. In the lower register is a scene from the “Introductory Chapter” of the six brahmins who slander the Buddha. The upper left corner depicts the Jataka of the Golden Lion from the “Chapter on Association with the Wise,” and in the upper right corner is the Alambusa Jataka from the “Chapter on Discussion.” In the lower left corner is a depiction of the Good Prince going to sea from the “Chapter on the Bad Prince,” and in the lower right corner is the Prince Sujata Jataka from the “Chapter on Filial Piety.” The arrangement of the four chapters in the corners was reproduced in later illustrations of the Returning Favors Sutra during the Five Dynasties (907–960) and the Song dynasty (960–1279).