Mogao Cave 61: Life of the Buddha

CHINA, Gansu, Dunhuang; Five Dynasties

Painted on the lower sections of the back (west) and side walls, these 33 panels illustrate the Abhiniskramana Sutra, which tells of the Life of the Buddha from before his birth living in Tusita Heaven, to his birth, palace life, renunciation, enlightenment, teaching of the Dharma, and passage into parinirvana. Two to eight scenes are presented within each panel, for a total of 128 scenes. These include the Celebration of the Prince’s Birth, Bathing of the Prince by Nine Nagas, Asita’s Prophecy, Education of the Prince, Reflections on the Farming Process, the First Meditation, Building of the Three Palaces, Skills Contest, Wedding, the Four Encounters, and Renunciation. Each scene is labeled with an inscription. Mountains, forests, buildings, and clouds provide a unified background for the different scenes within each panel.