Illustration of the Contemplation Sutra (Taima Mandara)
17th century
This mandala is a visualization of the Contemplation Sutra, a canon revered by Pure Land Buddhists. Amida is seated at the center of his paradise, surrounded by bodhisattvas, celestial beings, musicians, and dancers. The mandala’s left border illustrates the discovery and introduction of the sutra; the right border depicts thirteen of the sixteen contemplations that serve as a guide to visualizing Amida’s paradise. The Nine Stages of Rebirth appear in the bottom border.
Ink and color on silk
60 3/16 x 34 1/8 in. (152.9 x 86.7cm), overall
31 1/2 x 28 3/8 in. (80 x 72cm), image
Gift of Mrs. John C. Atwood, Jr.
61.78
