国立情報学研究所 - ディジタル・シルクロード・プロジェクト
『東洋文庫所蔵』貴重書デジタルアーカイブ

PLATE XVI

PAINTINGS FROM BEZEKLIK

THE reproductions in this plate are from portions of the paintings recovered from the west wall of the corridor surrounding the cella of the shrine. They are good examples of the richness of colour used in these temple paintings. The designs follow a regular scheme of composition, varying in

detail in accordance with the requirements of the incidents in the lives of succes-

sive Buddhas portrayed. The excellent condition of the surviving portions of the

pictures, apart from that which appears to be due to wanton destruction or decay

of the structure of the building, may be partly attributable to their immunity from

misguided attempts at `preservation'.

Bez. iii. N, O

The subject here is the meeting of the Dipankara Buddha with the Bráhman

Sumedhu, who, four asankhyeyas and a hundred thousand cycles ago (an incalculable

period), lived in Amarávati. He was of good family on both sides, and inherited

great wealth from his parents; but deeming the possession of worldly riches an

obstacle in his progress towards his earnestly desired goal of moral and spiritual

perfection, he gave them all away; and seeking the solitude of the forest, near the

city of Ramma, embraced the life of an ascetic.

At this time the Buddha, Dipankara, appeared in the world and in his wander-

ings reached the city of Ramma, and took up residence in the neighbouring

monastery of Sudassana. There the people of Ramma thronged to see and hear

him, bearing garlands and many other offerings. After hearing him preach they

invited him to visit the city. Their invitation being accepted, preparations were

put in hand to render the road fit for the progress of the Buddha. Sumedhu, becom-

ing aware of these unwonted activities, asked the reason, and upon being told

requested that he might be given a section of the road to repair. The condition

must have been deplorable, for before he could finish his task, even with the help

given him by a hundred thousand miracle-working saints, Dipankara came in

sight. Whereupon Sumedhu decided that he could not allow the Buddha to walk

on the unfinished part, and at the risk of sacrificing his life, he cast himself upon

the miry ground and spreading his hermit's mantle and his roll of matted hair,

formed a bridge for the Buddha and his following of four hundred thousand saints

63