Zhao Zhifeng

CHINA, Chongqing, Dazu; Southern Song dynasty

Zhao Zhifeng was a monk and sculptor who, based on a stele inscription recording the restoration of Shengshou Temple at Baodingshan, was born in Shaxi (present day Dazu, Chongqing). He was the disciple of Vajrayana Buddhist master Liu Benzun during Late Tang period (846–907) and spent 70 years constructing Shengshou Temple during the Southern Song dynasty (1179–1249), in addition to the grottoes and sculptures at Baodingshan. The constructions gained support of the local government as Zhao made vows and prayers to defend the country from invasion by the Mongols. The rock carvings on Small Buddha Bay and Great Buddha Bay were built systematically based on the teachings and practice of Vajrayana Buddhism, as well as the philosophy of Chinese ethics. Baodingshan was listed as a National Cultural Heritage Site in 1961, and as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999 as part of the Dazu Rock Carvings.
Known to be the site of Benzun Hall of Shengshou Temple, there are currently 1,200 extant statues at Small Buddha Bay. The majority of the sculptures were images used for Vajrayana Buddhist practices, such as contemplation, empowerment, and precept bestowal. Great Buddha Bay is 500 m in length and comprises 31 numbered sites. The content of the images were based on the doctrines and practice of both Mahayana and Vajrayana Buddhism. The images of Buddha and Bodhisattva were localized and the themes were lively, reflecting the social and daily life during the Song dynasty.
Great Buddha Bay Niche 11 contains a reclining Buddha statue. Standing before the Buddha is Zhao facing the disciple with joined palms. Behind Zhao is his master Liu Benzun. In addition, Great Buddha Bay Niche 20 contains sculpture of Patriarch Teaching the Dharma from the Illustration of the Hells. The standing sculpture is known to be Zhao in his monastic robe. His other statue is located at the Sutra Catalog Pagoda in Small Buddha Bay.