Dazu Rock Carvings Baodingshan Great Buddha Bay Cave 29: Trikaya Buddhas

CHINA, Chongqing, Dazu; Southern Song dynasty

Situated on the back (south) wall of the cave, the triad consists of, from left to right: Nirmanakaya Buddha, representing the manifestation body; Dharmakaya Buddha, representing the Dharma body; and Sambhogakaya Buddha, representing the reward body. All three Buddhas wear monastic robes and sit in full lotus position on lotus thrones. Dharmakaya Buddha forms a mudra in front of his chest with both hands. He wears a crown with a jewel that emits light up to the ceiling. In front of the triad, a Bodhisattva kneels on a lotus throne atop a long rectangular altar. The Bodhisattva joins palms and gazes towards Dharmakaya Buddha, appearing to request a Dharma teaching from the Buddha.