Mogao Cave 138: Illustration of the Vimalakirti Sutra

CHINA, Gansu, Dunhuang; Tang dynasty

This mural is located to the right of the entrance on the front (east) wall of the main chamber. Typically, Vimalakirti Sutra illustrations found in the Mogao Caves will occupy both sides of the entrance wall, with Vimalakirti depicted on one side of the entrance and Manjusri portrayed on the other. Thus, this Late Tang period (846–907) mural is rather unusual in its placement and layout. An illustration of the Returning Favors Sutra is on the left side of the entrance in this cave.
Vimalakirti and Manjusri sit opposite each other on the sides of the middle register. They are surrounded by disciples, Bodhisattvas, the Eight Classes of Dharma Protectors, and other figures. At the center of the mural is the Vaishali city gate, where the manifested Bodhisattva enters the city, accompanied by four other Bodhisattvas. The lower register depicts the manifested Bodhisattva offering an alms bowl to Vimalakirti and distributing the fragrant rice to the assembly. At the top of the mural, the Buddha presents the Buddha Land, surrounded by disciples, Bodhisattvas, and heavenly beings, as described in the sutra. Lion thrones fly through the air above Vimalakirti’s canopy bed. An incense burner rests on an altar in the center of the lower register. Standing on both sides of the altar are Chinese emperor and an official, as well as the princes and officials of neighboring kingdoms. More Buddhas and Bodhisattvas are painted on the far sides of the illustration.