Longmen Grotto 563: Medicine Buddha

CHINA, Henan, Luoyang; Tang dynasty

This Tang dynasty grotto, also known as Medicine Buddha Grotto, is located in the middle area of the Yi River’s west bank. Found on the back (west) wall within the grotto and measuring 2.34 m in height, this is the largest statue of the Medicine Buddha in the Longmen Grottoes.
The Buddha has a large usnisa and curled hair. The oval face has long eyebrows and fine eyes, and there are three lines on the neck. A nimbus with seven Buddhas seated in full lotus positions is depicted behind the slender Buddha, whose long robe covers both shoulders. Smooth folds descend from the robe. The Buddha’s right hand holds a medicine bowl, while the left hand probably forms the varada (wish-granting) mudra.
To the left of the Medicine Buddha is a small relief of a Bodhisattva seated on a lotus throne. A larger attendant Bodhisattva stands on the left, while the one on the right no longer exists. Warriors stand guard on either side of the entrance to the grotto.