Mogao Cave 303: Illustration of the Lotus Sutra - Universal Gateway Chapter

CHINA, Gansu, Dunhuang; Sui dynasty

This mural is on the east and west slopes of the gabled ceiling. The layout is in the style of a horizontal scroll painting, with two rows of illustrations on each side. The narrative begins in the upper right of the east slope and progresses from right to left, reversing direction in the lower row and continuing on the upper left of the west slope. The first scene illustrates Aksayamati Bodhisattva’s inquiry to the Buddha regarding the name of Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva, and much of the first section is devoted to the Buddha’s explanation: “If countless millions of sentient beings, suffering pain and torment, should hear of this Bodhisattva, Avalokitesvara, and single-mindedly call this name, Avalokitesvara shall instantly perceive their cries, and all shall obtain deliverance.” The mural goes on to illustrate the Bodhisattva rescuing people from various threats, including fire, floods, storms at sea, violent attacks, malignant ghosts, and fear while traveling dangerous routes, followed by the Bodhisattva granting relief to those wishing to dispel desire, anger, and ignorance. Next are scenes of Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva’s travels across nations in Thirty-Three Manifestations, wherein the Bodhisattva delivers sentient beings from suffering. Following the Thirty-Three Manifestations, Aksayamati Bodhisattva and others offer gems and garlands to Avalokitesvara, who accepts them and divides the offerings into two portions, one as an offering to Sakyamuni Buddha and the other as an offering to Prabhutaratna Buddha. The two Buddhas are shown seated within a temple hall in the final scene.