Mogao Cave 156: Illustration of the Sutra on the Profound Kindness of Parents

CHINA, Gansu, Dunhuang; Tang dynasty

This mural is painted on the north side of the ceiling in the antechamber. The Sutra on the Profound Kindness of Parents describes the kind and virtuous acts of parents as they raise their children, and reprimands those who rebel against their parents. The sutra is illustrated in four different caves at the Mogao Cave site. Aside from the Late Tang period (846–907) illustration seen here, the first and earliest dates from the High Tang period (712–756), and the two others date from the Mid-Tang period (756–846). In addition to these murals, a colored silk illustration of the sutra from the Song dynasty (960–1279) is held at the British Museum in London, and the Gansu Provincial Museum retains a second silk illustration from 991 during the Song dynasty.
Sakyamuni Buddha sits in full lotus position on a lotus throne in the center of the mural. The Buddha has a round face and wears a brown robe. His hands form the Dharmacakra (Dharma wheel) mudra. Attendant Bodhisattvas on lotus thrones are seated on either side of the Buddha, and an altar holding a large incense burner is set before him. The Buddha and two Bodhisattvas are surrounded by disciples, Bodhisattvas making offerings, and the Eight Classes of Dharma Protectors. The title of the sutra is written within a cartouche below the altar, and on either side, groups of monks and laypeople sit in full lotus position and listen to the Buddha’s teachings. In the upper register, Vulture Peak is depicted, surrounded by mountains and waters. In the lower register are narrative illustrations within a mountain landscape. They include scenes of parents venerating the Triple Gem, a mother pushing a heavy cart, and the children abandoning their parents in old age. Inscriptions explain the content of each scene.