Mogao Cave 112: Illustration of the Medicine Buddha Sutra

CHINA, Gansu, Dunhuang; Tang dynasty

This Mid-Tang period (756–846) mural on the north wall of Cave 112 is representative of illustrations of the Medicine Buddha Sutra found in the Mogao Caves. In the center of the illustration is the scene of a grand Dharma assembly in which the Buddha reveals the Eastern Pure Land. The Medicine Buddha sits in full lotus position on a lotus throne, surrounded by disciples, Bodhisattvas, and lotus-born children. In front of the altar below the Buddha, heavenly beings dance and play musical instruments, including a drum, waist drum, suspended metallophone, flute, panpipe, and harp. Yaksas wearing headdresses and armor watch from below. On each side of them is a raised platform with a Buddha and four standing Bodhisattvas.
In the upper register are shrines and pavilions connected by corridors. A Buddha and two Bodhisattvas are seated within the center hall with a hip roof. To the right and left is a sutra repository and bell tower, respectively, both with hexagonal roofs. Below is a Dharma lecture hall, on either side of which are halls containing lotuses. Four groups of seated Buddhas and Bodhisattvas fly upon clouds above the halls.