Mogao Cave 61: Illustration of the Vimalakirti Sutra - Chapter on the Vision of Aksobhya Buddha

CHINA, Gansu, Dunhuang; Five Dynasties

This chapter is depicted on the upper left corner of the illustration of the Vimalakirti Sutra, which is located on the front (east) wall. Vimalakirti, in the lower left corner, uses supernatural powers to manifest the World of Profound Joy. Within the world is an island surrounded by ocean and bound by a circular range of mountain peaks. The asura king, standing in the ocean, extends six arms, holding up a sun and moon in two hands and various items in the others. Mount Sumeru rises above in the shape of an inverted cone. Two naga kings coil around the mountainside, acting as guardians. The Buddha sits in full lotus position upon a lotus throne on top of Mount Sumeru, attended by Bodhisattvas and disciples on either side. A Bodhisattva kneels below the throne and makes an offering to the Buddha. On the right, a three-jeweled celestial ladder connects the World of Profound Joy with the human world. Deities descend the ladder while sentient beings climb to that world.