Dazu Rock Carvings Baodingshan Small Buddha Bay Chamber 5: Vairocana Buddha

CHINA, Chongqing, Dazu; Southern Song dynasty

This carving is on the back (south) wall of Chamber 5. Vairocana sits in full lotus position with his hands forming a mudra. Surrounding Vairocana are a round nimbus and a mandorla painted with various patterns and colors. The figure wears inner and outer monastic robes and a tall headdress. On the headdress is a small image of Liu Benzun wearing the clothing of a lay Buddhist, symbolizing Liu Benzun as a manifestation of Vairocana Buddha.
Eight characters referring to Liu Benzun are carved above the Buddha, and two verses are carved beside the central figure. Small, round niches containing carvings of Manjusri and Samantabhadra Bodhisattvas seated in full lotus positions are found in the upper corners of the back wall.