Dazu Rock Carvings Baodingshan Great Buddha Bay Niche 18: Illustration of the Amitayurdhyana Sutra - Middle Grade of the Highest Class

CHINA, Chongqing, Dazu; Southern Song dynasty

This carving is situated to the right of the depiction of the highest grade of the highest class, and primarily features an Amitabha Buddha Triad. Amitabha is in the middle, with both hands forming the mudra of the middle grade of the highest class. Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva, depicted to the right, makes the varada (wish-granting) mudra with one hand and holds a golden purple throne with the other. It is stated in the Amitayurdhyana Sutra that the Bodhisattva will bring such a throne for beings reborn in this grade. Mahasthamaprapta Bodhisattva stands on the left beside Amitabha and holds a lotus throne in one hand, while resting the other on the head of a lotus-born being. The being sits with joined palms in full lotus position on a lotus throne. There is a similar being beside Avalokitesvara. An inscription below the triad is carved with sutra passages related to the middle grade of the highest class. A child kneeling on a lotus throne is carved below the inscription.