Mogao Cave 17: Cintamanicakra Avalokitesvara

CHINA, Gansu, Dunhuang; Tang dynasty

Cintamanicakra Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva, one of the six forms of Avalokitesvara, is named after the cintamani (wish-fulfilling jewel) and cakra (wheel) held by Avalokitesvara. According to the Cintamanicakra Dharani Sutra, when Avalokitesvara expounded the dharani, the earth shook and all beings enjoyed a moment of peace. The Buddha then praised Avalokitesvara for teaching the dharani and proclaimed that whoever upholds it will have their wishes fulfilled and become awakened. Cintamanicakra sits on a lotus throne in the center of the picture. The slim-waisted Bodhisattva wears a necklace, bracelets, and a triangular headdress with a Buddha image in the middle. Each of the six hands forms a mudra. Cintimanicakra has a nimbus filled with swirling colors, an aureole decorated with triangular patterns, and a white mandorla outlined with lotuses. A canopy hangs above the nimbus. There are seated Bodhisattvas in the upper corners.