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

CHINA, Chongqing, Dazu; Southern Song dynasty

This carving, situated directly beneath the large, central Amitabha Buddha, features four Bodhisattvas in a row. The Bodhisattvas wear tall headdresses, necklaces, and flowing robes. The two Bodhisattvas in the center each hold a lotus throne with both hands; the Bodhisattva on the far right has palms joined, whereas the Bodhisattva on the far left holds prayer beads.
Three children are carved below the Bodhisattvas. The child in the center joins palms, while the right child holds a depiction of Mount Sumeru and the left child holds a lotus. An inscription of the Amitayurdhyana Sutra relating to this grade is found below the three children. Another inscription that reads the “highest grade of the highest class” is carved above the four Bodhisattvas.