Kabusanji Temple: Life of the Buddha - Parinirvana

JAPAN, Osaka; Kamakura period

This 13th century painting shows the Buddha passing away into parinirvana, along with small scenes of seven events that occurred before and after his passing. It is believed to be based on descriptions in the Nehan Koshiki by the monk Myoe. Originally kept in Kabusanji Temple in Osaka and later relocated to Kosanji Temple in Hiroshima, the painting was listed as an Important Cultural Property in 1912.
The Buddha lies on his side, resting his head on his right hand. He is surrounded by Bodhisattvas, disciples, warriors, and common people, all with mournful expressions. The birds and beasts gathered below the pedestal appear to howl and cry in grief. White flowers spontaneously bloom on the sala trees above the Buddha. Three scenes are depicted in the top register from left to right: last offering to the Buddha by Cunda, the Buddha’s dying instructions, and the Buddha’s last teaching of the Dharma. On the right side of the middle register, the Buddha’s immovable gold coffin is shown, and above it there is a portrayal of the coffin moving itself seven times around the city. The cremation of the Buddha and the distribution of relics among the eight kings are depicted on the left side of the middle register. The scenes, somewhat difficult to see, are labeled with inscriptions.