Illustrated Manuscript of the Gandavyuha Sutra

NEPAL

These four palm leaves are from a Nepalese manuscript of the “Gandavyuha Chapter” from the Avatamsaka Sutra. The illustrations, based on the sutra, depict Sudhana’s visits to spiritual mentors. The illustrations on the first and fourth pages depict Sudhana walking alone in the forest. The second illustration shows Maitreya Bodhisattva teaching the Dharma to Sudhana. Maitreya sits in full lotus position on a lotus throne, forming the vitarka (teaching) mudra. Sudhana is on the left, listening to the teachings. The red stupa in the middle of the upper register is a symbol of Maitreya. In the illustration on the third page, a teacher sits on a pedestal on the right while Sudhana, with joined palms, listens mindfully.