 |
Yulin Cave 3: Fifty-One-Headed, Thousand-Armed Avalokitesvara
|
| |
|
Yulin Cave 3: Fifty-One-Headed, Thousand-Armed Avalokitesvara
CHINA, Gansu, Guazhou; Western Xia period (1032–1227)
odhisattva are the seven jewels, musical instruments, weapons, tools, flowers, and trees. Of particular interest are scenes which depict various acts of cultivation. The tools utilized include ploughs, hoes, harrows, and hatchets. The scenes include hulling rice, forging iron, making wine, doing business, farming, and creating art. Art is one of the five areas of knowledge that a Bodhisattva undertakes, which also include mechanical skills and scientific study. The mural contributes valuable information about the social and economic life of the Western Xia period (1032–1227).
Also depicted among the Bodhisattva 's arms are three seven-tier pagodas. The pagoda at the center has a Buddha image at the top. Mount Sumeru emerges above the Buddha and at the top of the mountain is a palace from Trayastrimsa Heaven, along with another image of the Buddha surrounded by auspicious clouds and flowers. Painted on one side of the lotus platform at the bottom of the mural is Mahadevi, who holds a plate with bouquets of flowers; on the other side is Vasu, who holds a staff. |
