Mogao Cave 332

Mogao Cave 332 was built during early Tang Dynasty (617-704AD). Cave 332 has a central pillar and a gabled ceiling in the front of the main chamber. Three triad are placed on the north and south walls below the gabled ceiling+ and the front side of the central pillar. A nirvana sculpture of Sakyamuni is placed in the oblong niche with a rounded top in the west wall. On the north wall is an illustration of the Parinirvana Sutra, which starts from the bottom of the west side and includes scenes of the Nirvana of Sakyamuni under two Sala-tree, Entering Bier, Preaching of Sakyamuni after rebirth, Cremation and Distribution of Buddhist relics among the Eight Kingdoms. On the two sides of the entrance wall are depicted the image of Amitabha and fifty Bodhisattvas and the scene of Sakyamuni preaching on the Vulture Peak. The picture of Amitabha with fifty Bodhisattvas is different from other illustrations of the Pure Land because it only describes Amitabha and the fifty Bodhisattvas, without towering pavilions and large-sized dancing scenes. Similar illustration of the Pure Land of Amitabha can be found in the murals in the Golden Hall of the Honyuji Temple in Japan.