Kizil Cave 38: Life of the Buddha - Parinirvana

CHINA, Xinjiang, Aksu

This mural is on the outer wall of the rear corridor and depicts the Buddha’s Parinirvana. The Buddha reclines on his right side upon a bed adorned with seven jewels. He wears a dark monastic robe which covers the entire body. The head rests on the right hand, and the feet one on top of the other. Unfortunately, the Buddha’s face is damaged, but the nimbus is still visible. Two sala trees, above the Buddha, form the grove in which the Buddha is said to have entered parinirvana. Behind the Buddha are, from left to right, Brahma, three-eyed Sakra, and the Four Heavenly Kings, with sorrowful disciples toward the end. The figures have been defaced but were certain to have been depicted with poignant expressions. A figure in a white robe sits facing the scene near the head of the Buddha. This is Subhadra, a 120-year-old wandering ascetic, said to be the Buddha’s final disciple.