Buddhist ‘Dead Sea Scrolls’: Material evidence about controversial apocrypha found in remote cave in China
An extraordinary cave complex nestled in the arid region of the Turpan Basin offers a unique insight into the intersection of art, religion, and meditative practices in ancient China. Tuyugou Cave 20, located in the Xinjiang desert, is one of the earliest and most important examples of Pure Land Buddhist art, with illustrations derived from the Sutra of Contemplation, an important text for Pure Land practitioners. Dating to the late sixth century, the cave is a testament to the devotional practice of Buddhist meditation and the intricate relationship between text and image.
The Sutra of Visualization is at the heart of the Pure Land tradition, guiding practitioners through a series of visualizations in order to be reborn in the Pure Land, the Western Pure Land of Amitabha Buddha. The mural on the left wall of Cave 20 is one of the earliest known visual representations of these meditative practices. As Dr. Zhao Yi of the Hong Kong Polytechnic University explains, these murals are not just decorative; They are an integral part of the spiritual practices performed within the caves, providing visual cues for the monks’ meditation. Dr Zhao’s research, published in the journal Religion, highlights how these images serve as meditation manuals, with each scene carefully curated to help practitioners visualize key elements of the Meditation Sutra.
Dr. Zhao pointed out: “By examining the images of each square unit in the mural on the left side of the cave, I believe that this painting has the first seven concepts and the twelfth concept mentioned in the Sutra of Contemplation.” This detailed analysis highlights the importance of the murals in guiding practitioners through the complex visualizations required for rebirth in the blissful world.
The murals in Cave 20 depict several of the “Thirteen Views” in the Buddhist scriptures, including pagodas, treasure ponds, lotus seats, etc. These visualizations are essential for practitioners who aim to purify karma and achieve the spiritual purity needed for rebirth in the Pure Land. The image on the left wall is particularly striking for its detailed depiction of these visualizations. For example, treasure pond visualization features intricate depictions of flowing water and lotus flowers, and is designed to help meditators imagine the peaceful surroundings of the Pure Land. Likewise, the Lotus Seat visualization, with its hanging banners and radiating jewels, provides practitioners with a visual anchor to focus their meditation on Amitabha’s majestic throne.
The research also explores the cave’s complex iconography and structural design, revealing how the murals were strategically placed to guide the meditation process. “These images and inscriptions are based on the Meditation Sutra, but they are not simple audio-visual translations and text excerpts,” said Dr. Zhao. Monks would meditate facing the right wall, which depicts impurity meditation. scene – this is an important first step in purifying the mind before contemplating the Pure Land. When ready, they will turn to the left wall and perform visualizations to achieve the ultimate goal of rebirth in the Pure Land, as symbolized by the lotus pond on the back wall.
Dr Zhao’s research not only highlights the religious significance of these murals, but also provides insights into the wider cultural and historical context of the area. The Tuoyu Caves are part of a larger network of Buddhist sites in the Turpan region, reflecting a blend of cultural influences including Chinese, Central Asian and Indian traditions. The murals in Cave 20 incorporate local artistic styles and Buddhist imagery, reflecting the rich cultural exchanges along the Silk Road.
“This partially collapsed cave in the desert of Central Asia in China deserves attention because it is the only material presence that tells us about the early forms of the Meditation Sutra and the way people pursued rebirth in the Pure Land of the West, which is believed to be a Apocryphal region.
The results of this study underscore the importance of preserving these historic sites, which provide valuable insights into the religious practices and artistic achievements of ancient civilizations. Dr. Zhao emphasized the urgency of preservation, stating, “Now, the condition of the murals there is very serious. Some of the paintings that will be discussed in this article no longer exist due to natural erosion and looting activities in the 19th and 20th centuries. The study calls for further action conservation efforts to ensure these cultural treasures can be studied and appreciated by future generations.
In short, Tuyugou Cave 20 is an important part of the history of Buddhist art and meditation. Dr. Yi Zhao’s careful analysis of the murals and contextual understanding of their role in meditative practices provide a deeper understanding of this ancient site. This research not only sheds light on the religious life of the past but also enriches our understanding of the cultural dynamics of the development of Buddhist art in the region.
Journal reference
Zhao, Yi. “Tuyugou Cave 20: The Pure Land Cave Temple in the Desert, with the earliest illustrations of the Visualization Sutra.” Religion 15 (2024): 576.
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About the author
Dr. Zhao Assistant Professor (Research) of Chinese Material Culture and Museum Studies, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University. Obtained a PhD in Art History from the University of Kansas in 2023.Yingshi – 6th c.), focusing on its collision and integration with early Chinese funerary art, as well as the interaction between Buddhism and local cultures along the Silk Road, especially the cultures of Central Asia.
His articles have been/will be published in reputable journals such as Asian Art Archives, Asian Artibus, religion His current book project is titled Resonances Between Temples and Tombs: Art, Belief, and Practice in Heaven and Pure Land in Early Medieval China (2ND to 6th Century)” has been awarded a three-year grant by the University Grants Committee of Hong Kong under the General Research Fund Scheme.
