Dazu Rock Carvings Baodingshan Small Buddha Bay Niche 8

CHINA, Chongqing, Dazu

The sculptures in this niche were carved during the Southern Song dynasty (1127–1279). There are two levels of carvings on the back wall of this niche. Three seated figures, who have been identified as Vairocana Buddha in the middle, Sakyamuni Buddha on the left, and Liu Benzun on the right, can be found on the upper level. Liu Benzun points his finger at Vairocana Buddha, symbolizing that he is a manifestation of Vairocana. Inscribed between the three statues are Buddhist verses about the teachings of cause and effect, and the aspiration to Bodhicitta.
A 1.48 m high warrior is depicted half-squatting below Vairocana. He wears full body armor and a helmet that emits two smoke-like light rays. His mouth is open and his eyes are wide, giving a frightful and imposing appearance. The warrior is flanked by the smaller figures of raksasas with human bodies and the heads of a bird, a cat, and an owl.