Dazu Rock Carvings Beishan Niche 281: Eastern Pure Land

CHINA, Chongqing, Dazu; Later Shu Kingdom

Situated in the northern section of the Beishan caves, this niche was carved in 954 of the Later Shu Kingdom and was modified in 1005 of the Northern Song dynasty. The niche has a width of 2.45 m, a height of 1.88 m, and depth of 0.66 m. Set into the back wall are three seated figures and a sutra pillar. The seated figure in the center is Medicine Buddha, with attendants Suryaprabha Bodhisattva and Candraprabha Bodhisattva on both sides. All three figures sit on rectangular thrones with legs pendent and a flame-shaped nimbus behind them. Seven seated Buddhas are carved on the niche lintel, while the Twelve Yaksa Generals are located in a row below the three statues.
A niche containing an octagonal sutra pillar is to the right of the Buddha Triad. On the body of the pillar is an inscription of the Usnisavijaya Dharani Sutra. Above the inscription are carvings of various shapes and figures such as clouds, seated Buddhas, and pavilions. Four round niches containing four seated Buddhas can be seen on the lintel of the sutra pillar niche. Three identical carvings of Ksitigarbha are just outside and to the right. Each figure holds a wish-fulfilling jewel in one hand and a staff in the other.