Anyue Wofo Temple Rock Carvings Niche 3: Reclining Buddha

CHINA, Sichuan, Ziyang; Tang dynasty

This niche is located 5 m above the ground in the center of the cliff wall on the northern side of the valley. The central sculpture, a reclining Sakyamuni Buddha, is 23 m long and oriented facing south with the head on the right side of the niche. Interestingly, here the Buddha has been carved lying on his left side, which differs from the traditional, scripture-based parinirvana depiction in which he rests on his right side. The Buddha lies with hands at his sides and legs together, one on top of the other. The face is slightly elongated, with long eyebrows, partially closed eyes, and a round urna on the forehead. He has tightly spiraled hair tied in a topknot, and elongated earlobes with hoop earrings.
Above the reclining Buddha is a carving illustrating Sakyamuni giving his last teaching. There are 21 statues in the scene, with Sakyamuni Buddha seated in the center, one hand placed on his knee and the other displaying a mudra. In the front row on the left side are four disciples and a Bodhisattva; behind them are five of the Eight Classes of Dharma Protectors. In the front row on the right side are three disciples, a Bodhisattva, and Guhyapadavajra, with two disciples and three other classes of Dharma protectors behind them. In front of the reclining Buddha is his mother, Queen Maya, seated cross-legged and facing the Buddha. Another Guhyapadavajra with a sorrowful expression is sculpted at the feet of the reclining Buddha.
The sculptor who created this carving worked skillfully with the natural cracks and contours of the cliff wall. The details on the reclining Buddha is clear and distinctive.