Sudhana and the Rishi Bhishmottaranirgosha: Folio 94 (recto), from a Gandavyuha-sutra (Scripture of the Supreme Array)

1000–1100s

Sudhana and the Rishi Bhishmottaranirgosha: Folio 94 (recto), from a Gandavyuha-sutra (Scripture of the Supreme Array), 1000–1100s. Nepal. Gum tempera and ink on palm leaves; average: 4.2 x 52.4 cm (1 5/8 x 20 5/8 in.). The Cleveland Museum of Art, Purchase from the J. H. Wade Fund 1955.49.2.a The enlightened sage (rishi) places his hand on the pilgrim Sudhana's head and transmits his teachings through a trance-like vision. The name of his teaching is "Undefeated Banner," and the artist has painted an identifying banner behind him, at the right edge. This is one of the few paintings of this manuscript that explicitly relates to the text. The sage has dreadlocks and wears a black antelope skin over his shoulder.