Mogao Cave 85: Illustration of the Sutra on the Questions of Visesa Cinti Brahma

CHINA, Gansu, Dunhuang; Tang dynasty

Located on the right side of the north wall within the main chamber, this mural is based on the Sutra on the Questions of Visesa Cinti Brahma. Illustrations of this sutra began to appear in the Mogao Caves around the Late Tang period (864–907) and ceased after the Song dynasty (960–1279). Similar murals from the Late Tang period are found in Caves 141 and 156.
In the center of the image are Sakyamuni Buddha and two attendant Bodhisattvas, all seated within a hall. The Buddha has a usnisa, and sits in full lotus position on a lotus throne. Above the Buddha are swirling clouds which carry seated Buddhas and Bodhisattvas. On each side of the main hall is a two-story building with a Bodhisattva seated on the top story and a Buddha housed within the first story. An offering altar with a mountain censer is set below Sakyamuni Buddha in the center, and a crowd of Bodhisattvas and heavenly beings gather to listen to the Dharma. In front of the altar is a platform with two rows of musicians on either side and a dancer in the center. In the lower register are 17 small teaching scenes showing Visesa Cinti Brahma in dialogue with the Buddha. The accompanying inscriptions describe the scenes.