Kizil Cave 38: Jataka of Sacrifice for a Gatha by Jumping from a Tree

CHINA, Xinjiang, Aksu

This mural is situated on the left side of the barrel- vaulted ceiling in the main chamber. According to the Extraordinary Stories from Sutras and Vinayas, there was a brahmin who practiced meditation in the mountains, hoping to learn the Dharma. Knowing his intention, Sakra transformed himself into a raksasa and told the brahmin the first half of a gatha expounded by the Buddha. The brahmin was delighted and wished to learn the second half, for which he offered to sacrifice his life. Upon hearing the second half of the verse, the brahmin jumped from a tall tree to his death.
The painting shows the brahmin jumping from a tree with clusters of flowers. His left arm is in an upward position and he wears a silk stole slanted across his body. A corpulent raksasa with large ears who raises his head to look at the brahmin is depicted under the tree.