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

1000–1100s

Folio 94, from a Gandavyuha-sutra (Scripture of the Supreme Array): Sudhana and the Rishi Bhishmottaranirgosha (recto); Text (verso), 1000–1100s. Nepal. Gum tempera and ink on palm leaf; 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 The subject of the painting on this page accords with the text in another section of the manuscript. It describes the encounter of the pilgrim Sudhana with a Hindu Brahmin sage (rishi) in the forest, who had reached an enlightened state. Many of Sudhana's teachers were not Buddhist monks, but were "true friends" from many walks of life. The name of the pilgrim Sudhana means "Good Wealth," and he wears fine clothes and a crown.