In Cave 46 of the Mogao Caves, there is a reclining statue of Shakyamuni that was carved during the flourishing Tang Dynasty. This statue depicts the scene of the Nirvana Sutra transformation and is often referred to as the loneliest Buddha in the Mogao Caves.
Why is it called that? In the true scene of Nirvana, Shakyamuni would be surrounded by his disciples. However, what we see now is just the Buddha mother and Shakyamuni’s disciple Shariputra at the Buddha’s feet.
In fact, a hundred years ago, the cave was not like this. Looking at photographs taken in 1908, Shakyamuni was surrounded by many disciples. Unfortunately, today, we can no longer see the complete scene of Nirvana. Were those dozens of statues stolen by European explorers? Or were they divided among wealthy people during the Republic of China period? Or perhaps they were taken home by local villagers? The reasons for their disappearance remain a mystery.