Mogao Cave 98: Illustration of the Returning Favors Sutra

CHINA, Gansu, Dunhuang; Five Dynasties

This illustration of the Returning Favors Sutra is located on the south wall. Sakyamuni Buddha is in the center, seated in full lotus position on a lotus throne. Manjusri and Samantabhadra Bodhisattvas sit next to the Buddha, and before them is an audience of Bodhisattvas, disciples, and the Eight Classes of Dharma Protectors. The Buddha emits multi-colored light from the white urna between his eyebrows, making visible other Buddhas who ride on clouds from the ten directions to attend the assembly. These Buddhas sit on lotus thrones and are accompanied by Bodhisattvas. In each corner of the mural are narrative illustrations from a chapter in the sutra. Clockwise from the upper left are the “Chapter on Association with the Wise,” “Chapter on Debate,” “Chapter on Filial Piety,” and “Chapter on the Bad Prince.”