The Buddha Explaining Sutras

More than a dozen characters including Amitayus, Kasyapa, Ananda, the ten Bodhisattvas headed by Kwan-yin and Manjusri, and two Heavenly Kings are well organized in the mural with a limited size. Besides, there is also a canopy above Amitayus, a lotus throne under his bottom, two seated lion status and an incense furnace in front of the throne. With so many characters and objects leaving almost no blank, this painting still doesn’t look messy at all, rather, it has a strict and precise composition. The colors on the murals are rich. The Buddha and Bodhisattvas are all covered with gold powered, creating a splendid and grand atmosphere in the dark cave. The viewers, bathed in such an atmosphere, can get a feeling of the beautiful Pure Land created with bright colored by the creator(s).

One of the focal points of the painting is the image of Kwan-yin Bodhisattva to the east of the Buddha. Bodhisattvas first appeared as male images after the Buddhism was introduced to China from India. Since the Sui and Tang dynasties, Bodhisattvas were gradually depicted as females because the image of merciful ladies is more consistent with the responsibility of Bodhisattvas which is to help people out of misery. Kwan-yin Bodhisattva in this mural was illustrated with fine and smooth skin, an elegant gesture and a warming smile on a face with beautiful brows and lips, a far cry from the previous images with awe-inspiring solemnity. Such an image instantly brings the viewers closer to the Pure Land of the Buddhism.