The cult of the Cintāmaṇi: The nature and context of the Dunhuang manuscript P. 4518 (10)

Abstract

The Dunhuang manuscript P. 4518 (10) is a fascinating illustrated manuscript that could be dated in the 10th century. Although it is commonly known as the scene of preaching Dharma, contemporary scholarship does not offer an adequate interpretation. Combining both traditional canonical texts and uncovered Chinese and Sanskrit manuscripts from Dunhuang and Khotan, this study suggests that this is an illustration showing that the Buddha explained the Mani pearl as the symbol of his Dharma Body (Dharmakaya) to two Arhats who were depicted as two monks with halo, upon the inquiry of Mañjuśrī Bodhisattva. This story might come from the Jñānālokālaṃkāra-sūtra, a popular text in Central and East Asia, as its Sanskrit fragments from Khotan and Chinese manuscripts from Dunhuang indicated. One of the most important themes in this text was the Mani pearl appeared as the symbol of the Dharmakaya, which should be honored and worshipped.