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Mogao Cave 296: Conversion of Five Hundred Bandits
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Mogao Cave 296: Conversion of Five Hundred Bandits
CHINA, Gansu, Dunhuang; Northern Zhou dynasty (557–581)
Located on the south wall below images of the Thousand Buddhas, this illustration is based on the Chapter on Pure Practices" in the Mahaparinirvana Sutra. The story is also referred to as the Story of Aptanetravana (Forest of Sight Regained). The narrative progresses from the right to left as follows: a minister reports of the trouble caused by a gang of 500 bandits to King Prasenajit; the king gives the order to arrest them; the army mounts a punitive expedition against the bandits; a battle between the army and the bandits ensues; the bandits are taken into custody; they are sentenced to have their eyes gouged out; blinded |
