Research on the Thousand Buddhas Images in the Mogao Caves of Dunhuang - Dunhuang Studies Library

Author: Liang Xiaopeng
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2006-12-01
Features: This book employs methods such as field investigations, literature review, comparative analysis of images and texts, and the utilization of previous research to define and classify the Thousand Buddhas images in the Mogao Caves. Based on this, it analyzes the structure and characteristics of the Thousand Buddhas images from the perspectives of iconology and linguistics, and explores their status and functions within the overall Buddhist caves of the Mogao. Additionally, it highlights the necessity of further research on the Thousand Buddhas images as symbols to establish a truly meaningful iconology of the Dunhuang. The book is divided into six chapters.
Chapter 1 is the introduction, which points out the inconsistency between the extensive research on large-scale Thousand Buddhas images and the limited research on smaller-scale ones in the Mogao Caves. It proposes that the Thousand Buddhas images may serve a unifying function within the caves and emphasizes the necessity of studying them from the perspective of the entire cave.
Chapter 2 reviews the preliminary research on Thousand Buddhas images. The first part summarizes the identification and description of Thousand Buddhas images in previous studies, while the second part analyzes and studies the findings on images, summarizing the principles and experiences of predecessors in identifying and analyzing Thousand Buddhas images, as well as the existing doubts and issues.
Chapter 3 explores the definition, categories, and functions of Thousand Buddhas images through a comparative analysis of relevant Buddhist scriptures and the Buddhist images in the Mogao Caves. The author argues that Thousand Buddhas images are depictions of Buddha based on scriptures, representing a creative visual expression of a group of Buddhas, with quantities ranging from dozens to thousands. These images can be broadly categorized into two types: the first refers to groups of images with numerous but unnamed Buddhas, while the second consists of named Buddhas with relatively certain quantities. This chapter also analyzes the potential relationships between scriptures related to Thousand Buddhas, such as the Lotus Sutra, and the Thousand Buddhas images in the Mogao Caves, pointing out that the Thousand Buddhas serve as objects of veneration, witnesses, and guides for Buddhist followers.
Chapter 4 analyzes the macro and micro structures and characteristics of Thousand Buddhas images from an iconological perspective, highlighting the overall features of these images, such as linearity, symmetry, connectivity, alternation, dynamism, and intertextuality, as well as their relationship with other images in terms of positioning. Individual Thousand Buddhas images can be decomposed into basic features (e.g., the body of the Buddha, pedestal, halo, canopy, inscriptions, and frames) and selective features, which can be further broken down. Features such as handprints derived from this decomposition exhibit a certain systematic nature and rich meanings.
Chapter 5 analyzes the relationship between Thousand Buddhas images, the term "Thousand Buddhas," and the Thousand Buddhas inscriptions in the Dunhuang manuscripts from a linguistic perspective. It explores the production process of these images by examining differences in various versions and different copies of the Thousand Buddhas scriptures.
Chapter 6 is the conclusion, which preliminarily analyzes the reasons for the popularity of Thousand Buddhas images and treats them as symbols, proposing the use of semiotic methods to study their position within the broader system of Buddhist images.