A Study On Confucian Ethics Embodied By Jataka Paintings In Dunhuang Grottoes

As a foreign culture,Buddhism was introduced,spread,and developed in China,which is inseparable from the Sinicization of Buddhism.One of the important aspects of the sinicization of Buddhism is the compromise and reconciliation of Confucian ethics.The Dunhuang Grottoes,as a sacred place of Buddhism,show the trend of Sinicization in the historical development process of its architecture,sculptures,murals,and other arts.As an important mural theme in Dunhuang Grottoes,Jātaka paintings is not only one of the expressions of the Sinicization of Buddhism but also its subject matter selection,picture layout,and art form,which are all influenced by traditional Chinese culture,especially the Confucian moral concept.Through combing the Dunhuang Grottoes J ā taka paintings paintings,this essay probes into the Confucian ethical thoughts embodied in them.The Jātaka paintings of Dunhuang Grottoes have been painted in caves since the Northern Liang.Except for the early Tang Dynasty,the paintings were not painted until the Northern Song Dynasty and distributed in many caves.Although Dunhuang Grottoes is a Buddhist grotto cave temple,the ultimate purpose of its frescoes is to guide believers to become Buddhas through six degrees of practise,and the Jātaka paintings are no exception.It is undeniable that Confucian ethics have had a great impact on the Dunhuang Grottoes Jātaka paintings.In these Jātaka paintings almost are human protagonists.This tendency in subject selection is related to the Confucian concept of emphasising personnel.The theme selection of these Jātaka paintings is influenced by the Confucian thought of emphasizing personnel,while the painting of specific picture contents is influenced by the Confucian thought of loyalty,filial piety,benevolence and justice.