Mogao Cave 12: Illustration of the Medicine Buddha Sutra

CHINA, Gansu, Dunhuang; Tang dynasty

This Late Tang period (846–907) illustration of the Medicine Buddha Sutra is located in the center of the north wall in the main chamber of Cave 12. The work is similar in style to the illustration of the Amitayurdhyana Sutra on the south wall.
The upper section displays palace buildings with Buddhas and Bodhisattvas floating on clouds between the buildings. At the center of the illustration is the Medicine Buddha teaching the Dharma, surrounded by disciples and Bodhisattvas. Below the Buddha are dancers and musicians playing various instruments. There are three parallel platforms at the bottom of the illustration. Buddhas, Bodhisattvas and heavenly beings are on the two side platforms while in the middle, the Twelve Yaksa Generals kneel and listen to the Dharma. Below the Yaksa Generals is an inscription that states, “The Eastern Pure Land of the Medicine Buddha.” Panels below the painting illustrate the Twelve Great Vows and the nine forms of untimely death as described in the sutra.