体味敦煌壁画上的司法意蕴

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the significance of the Dunhuang mural "Lao Duocha Dou Sheng Bian," highlighting its representation of Buddhist themes and its reflection of Tang Dynasty legal and social governance practices [4][5][12]. Group 1: Mural Significance - "Lao Duocha Dou Sheng Bian" is a major theme in Dunhuang murals, depicting the contest between the Buddhist disciple Shariputra and the non-Buddhist leader Lao Duocha, ultimately showcasing the victory of Buddhism [4][5]. - The mural serves as a classic example of the integration of "Bianwen" art and mural art during the late Tang period, with the most complete examples found in caves 9 and 196 of the Mogao Caves [5][6]. Group 2: Legal and Social Governance - The mural illustrates the judicial and social governance of the Tang Dynasty, depicting a scene that reflects the legal system's details and the intertwining of legal norms and religious beliefs in ancient Dunhuang [5][8]. - The central figure in the mural, a king-like character, symbolizes the authority of law and governance, embodying the political logic of the ruler as the central figure in maintaining order [6][7]. Group 3: Judicial Principles - The symmetrical layout of the mural represents the principle of equality in judicial proceedings, where both parties in a dispute are depicted with equal status, reflecting the Tang Dynasty's legal principle of equal representation [9][10]. - The absence of barriers in the mural's composition signifies the transparency of judicial processes in the Tang Dynasty, allowing public observation of trials, which served to prevent corruption and educate the populace about legal principles [11][12]. Group 4: Conflict Resolution - The resolution of the conflict in the mural, where Lao Duocha submits and converts to Buddhism, symbolizes the dual approach to dispute resolution in ancient Dunhuang, combining official judicial decisions with religious mediation [12][14]. - The mural emphasizes that the goal of judicial outcomes was not merely punishment but the restoration of harmony, aligning with the ancient Chinese value of conflict resolution through reconciliation [14][15].