Mogao Cave 17: Illustration of the Avatamsaka Sutra

CHINA, Gansu, Dunhuang; Five Dynasties

This illustration, based on descriptions in the Avatamsaka Sutra, depicts Vairocana Buddha teaching the Dharma to nine assemblies in seven places. Many illustrations of the Avatamsaka Sutra are painted on the walls of the Mogao Caves, but this is the only painting from this location depicting the sutra in nine assemblies. It is well-preserved and possesses high artistic value.
The nine assemblies are separated by diamond patterned lines and arranged into three rows of three above the illustration in the bottom register. The first assembly at Bodhinanda, the site of enlightenment, is shown in the middle of the bottom row. The second assembly at the Universal Light Palace is shown on the right, and the ninth assembly at Jetavana Monastery is on the left. The third assembly at Trayastrimsa Heaven is shown in the middle of the second row from the bottom. The thin band of rocks in the bottom left corner represents Mount Sumeru. On the left and right, the seventh and eight assemblies at the Universal Light Palace are shown. In the top row, the fourth assembly at Suyama Heaven is in the center, flanked by the sixth assembly at Paranirmitavashavartin Heaven and the fifth assembly at Tusita Heaven.
The central figure in each assembly is Vairocana Buddha, depicted sitting on a lotus throne above an altar. Vairocana wears a red monastic robe and has a nimbus filled with swirling colors. Manjusri and Samantabhadra Bodhisattvas are painted beside the Buddha, and the disciples Subhuti and Sariputra stand behind. A multitude of Bodhisattvas and noble beings listening to the Dharma surround the central figures. The nine assemblies appear identical, except for the mudras displayed by the Buddha.
In the lower register, a large lotus rises out of a green sea. Within the lotus, there is a tiny, orderly city. Dancing heavenly beings and flaming wish-fulfilling jewels flank the lotus. The border of the sea is decorated with small, colorful lotus flowers and a ring of circular patterns.