Mogao Cave 159: Illustration of the Vimalakirti Sutra - Chapter on Accumulated Fragrance Buddha - Manifested Bodhisattva

CHINA, Gansu, Dunhuang; Tang dynasty

This image is located in front of Manjusri from the illustration of the Vimalakirti Sutra which is situated to the left of the entrance on the front (east) wall of the main chamber. The “Chapter on Accumulated Fragrance Buddha” describes how Vimalakirti sent the manifested Bodhisattva to the Fragrant Land to ask for food after noticing Sariputra’s concern about feeding the assembled guests. The Accumulated Fragrance Buddha obliged by giving a bowl of fragrant rice to the manifested Bodhisattva, who returned to Vimalakirti’s household with nine million other Bodhisattvas and the rice alms. The bowl of fragrant rice was offered to the assembly and, though it was but a small bowl, it never became empty and fed the multitude.
This manifested Bodhisattva stands before Manjusri, pouring the endless fragrant rice from the alms bowl. The Bodhisattva wears a headdress, a round necklace, armlets, and a stole. The Bodhisattva’s round, gentle face is surrounded by a nimbus decorated with colorful petals. A red lower garment is tied at the waist with green cloth. The figure stands barefoot upon a cloud and leans forward with knees bent and arms partially extended.