Mogao Cave 98: Illustration of the Sutra on the Questions of Visesa Cinti Brahma

CHINA, Gansu, Dunhuang; Five Dynasties

This illustration of the Sutra on the Questions of Visesa Cinti Brahma is on the north wall. The sutra describes the responses of Sakyamuni Buddha to the questions of Visesa Cinti Brahma and other great Bodhisattvas, which dissolve their doubts and expound the essence of the Mahayana teachings.
The painting illustrates the introduction and other chapters. The Dharma assembly in the upper register is the focus of the mural. Sakyamuni Buddha and attendant Bodhisattvas are seated within three central halls. On either side is a two story tower containing a seated Buddha. In front of the buildings, an audience of Bodhisattvas and heavenly beings listen to the Dharma. Altars holding incense stand before each hall, and a railing surrounds a front platform. A heavenly being dances elegantly in the center of the platform, flanked by heavenly musicians on both sides.
Above the main halls, Buddhas and Bodhisattvas ride towards the assembly on clouds. In the lower register, small groups of figures are presided over by Buddhas with attendant Bodhisattvas. Incense burners are placed on altars in front of the Buddhas. Kings and princes kneel and make offerings.