Mogao Cave 335: Illustration of the Vimalakirti Sutra

CHINA, Gansu, Dunhuang; Tang dynasty

This mural is located on the north wall. The layout differs from most illustrations of the Vimalakirti Sutra in the Mogao Caves, which situate the images of Vimalakirti and Manjusri Bodhisattva separately, usually to each side of an entrance or niche. Here, the two subjects are painted on the same wall. Manjusri leads a group of Bodhisattvas, disciples, and heavenly beings, including Brahma and Sakra, to inquire about Vimalakirti’s health and to discuss the Dharma. This central image is in accordance with the “Chapter on Manjusri’s Visit” and is surrounded by scenes from other chapters.
On the right, the elderly Vimalakirti is shown seated on a canopy bed. He holds a whisk and wears a large robe. He looks straight ahead with a fierce gaze and his mouth is open as if in speech. On the left, Manjusri is seated beneath a canopy that merges with the leafy foliage of two Bodhi trees. Manjusri has a circular nimbus and wears celestial garments, a jeweled headdress, and other ornaments. The Bodhisattva is seated in full lotus position on a Sumeru throne and addresses Vimalakirti with palms joined.
In the lower register is a scene from the “Chapter on Skillful Means,” wherein kings, officials, elders, lay devotees, and brahmins arrive to take part in the gathering. Above Vimalakirti is a scene from the “Chapter on the Inconceivable,” where innumerable lion thrones descend from the sky to accommodate the guests. Behind the canopy bed on the right is another scene from the same chapter, wherein Vimalakirti casually tosses Mount Sumeru, the surrounding oceans, and the asura king into empty space. Between Vimalakirti and Manjusri is the scene from the “Chapter of on Accumulated Fragrance Buddha.” The manifested Bodhisattva kneels before Vimalakirti with an alms bowl of fragrant rice held in offering, and the aroma of this ambrosia pervades the city of Vaishali and the entire universe. The scene of nine million Bodhisattvas descending from the Fragrant Land on colorful clouds is represented in the upper register. Finally, in the upper left corner is a depiction of the “Chapter on the Practices of the Bodhisattva.” Within the scene, the Buddha is seated below a canopy and is surrounded by Bodhisattvas and disciples. Vimalakirti stands before the Buddha, while Manjusri and the multitudes arrive on auspicious clouds to hear the Buddha’s teaching.