Maitreya and the Bodhisattva Path—Study on Maitreya-Related Themes and Image Layout Concepts in the Main Chamber of Kizil Cave 114

YANG Bo

Studies In Dazu Rock Carvings ›› 2026 ›› Issue (2) : 82-98.

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Studies In Dazu Rock Carvings ›› 2026 ›› Issue (2) : 82-98. DOI: 10.26953/j.cnki.2097-4698.2026.02.006

Maitreya and the Bodhisattva Path—Study on Maitreya-Related Themes and Image Layout Concepts in the Main Chamber of Kizil Cave 114

  • YANG Bo
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Abstract

Maitreya worship was prevalent in Kucha, in the Western Regions. In the Cave 114 of Kizil Grottoes, a sitting Maitreya Bodhisattva is painted on the main wall of the main chamber, marking the peak of Maitreya 
worship at the Kizil Grottoes. This paper identifies the narrative depicted on the semicircular surface above the 
door on the front wall as Sixteen Brahmins Visiting the Buddha, which recounts Maitreya’s conversion in the time of Sakyamuni. Additionally, the diamond-shaped Jātaka narratives on the vaulted ceiling of the main chamber and Praṇidhāna illustrations painted above each side of the entrance passage together enhance the atmosphere of bodhisattva-path cultivation. The main chamber of the cave, with Maitreya as the principal figure, focuses on the theme of the bodhisattva path. Previous studies have inferred that Cave 112-115 constituted a Buddhist nunnery in ancient Kucha. Therefore, the designers and practitioners of this cave should belong to a community of Kucha Bhikṣuṇī who revered Maitreya and pursued Buddhahood.

Key words

Cave 114 of Kizil Grottoes / Maitreya / Sixteen Brahmins Visiting the Buddha / bodhisattva path; Bhik?u?ī

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YANG Bo. Maitreya and the Bodhisattva Path—Study on Maitreya-Related Themes and Image Layout Concepts in the Main Chamber of Kizil Cave 114[J]. Studies In Dazu Rock Carvings. 2026(2): 82-98 https://doi.org/10.26953/j.cnki.2097-4698.2026.02.006
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