Kizil Cave 17: Viryabala Jataka

CHINA, Xinjiang, Aksu

This painting is located on the left side of the barrel-vaulted ceiling within the main chamber. According to the Viryabala Jataka from the Dharmapadavadana Sutra, a monk named Viryabala lived and practiced on a mountain. A dove, a crow, a snake, and a deer, were always around him. One day, the four animals gathered under a tree to discuss what caused the most suffering in the world. After each of them voiced differing opinions, Viryabala taught them that the physical body causes the greatest suffering in the world.
This painting illustrates the scene of Viryabala teaching the Dharma to the four animals. In the diamond-shaped portion with a green background, Viryabala is seated under a tree. He wears a stole and a white dhoti, and his left knee is slightly bent while his right leg is lifted to his waist. His left hand is placed on the thigh, and his right hand reaches towards the four animals before him. The deer’s front limbs are straight, while the back limbs are in a kneeling position. It lifts its head to look towards Viryabala in a gesture of either inquiry or attentive listening.