Mogao Cave 254: Life of the Buddha - Defeat of Mara

CHINA, Gansu, Dunhuang; Northern Wei dynasty

This mural is located on the south wall. In the center of the mural is the Buddha, sitting in full lotus position on a diamond throne, wearing a crown and a robe which crosses the left shoulder. The left hand holds an object in front of the chest, and the right hand rests on the knee, fingers outstretched in the bhumisparsa (earth-touching) mudra. A Bodhi tree canopy hangs above the large mandorla.
Surrounding the Buddha are images of Mara leading an army of demons to prevent him from attaining enlightenment. In the bottom left corner are the three daughters of Mara, who attempt to distract the Buddha. They assume graceful postures, and wear crowns, long stoles, and flowing garments. After their endeavors having failed, they are depicted in the lower right as three elderly women. In the top right corner of the mural is Mara, dressed in a Central Asian military uniform, in the act of pulling out his sword. With him stands another figure in similar dress who counsels him. The image represents Mara’s children advising him to give up his efforts of breaking the unshakable concentration of the Buddha.
On the right beside the Buddha is a Bodhisattva with a nimbus. The Bodhisattva wears a long lower garment, and a stole is wrapped around the arms. The figure stands facing the Buddha with palms joined. Demons surround the Buddha on either side. They take a diversity of forms, some with the heads of pigs, fish, and donkeys, and others in the form of camels, cows, dragons, elephants, or tigers. There are multi-headed demons, and others spew fire from their bodies, brandish weapons, or shout. They are contorted and grotesque, creating an atmosphere of terror. The Buddha, however, calmly maintains his resolve. He halts the spears they throw, manifests five-colored flowers from the thunderous quakes and hail, and turns toxic dragons and snakes into fragrant incense. Eventually, the demon army faces its inevitable defeat. Two demons prostrate to the Buddha below the diamond throne, expressing their repentance.