Amitayurdhyana Sutra Illustration Notebook

Amitayurdhyana Sutra Illustration

South Wall of Mogao Cave 112
Mid Tang Dynasty

The Amitayurdhyana Sutra had been one of the most popular themes. Normally, a mural based on this sutra would center on the depiction of the Pure Land under the leadership of Amitayus, the Buddha of Eternal Life, and the main contents, namely, the 16 Meditation, would appear at the two sides. However, this mural in cave 112 only focuses on the illustration of the prosperity and beauty of the Pure Land while dropping the 16 Meditations due to space restriction of the grotto. The dancer playing pipa behind back in the foreground is the focal point of this part of the mural. The serene complexion and elegant gesture are intoxicating to viewers.