Sengyou

CHINA, Jiangsu, Xuzhou; Southern Dynasties

Sengyou, whose original family name was Yu, was an eminent monk of the Vinaya school, sculptor, and Buddhist historian from Xiapi, Pengcheng (present day Pizhou, Xuzhou). Upon visiting Jianchu Temple in Jiangsu when he was young, he refused to return home and eventually joined the monastic order. After receiving full ordination, he studied the Vinaya teachings under Master Faying.
He assisted in the restoration of Dinglin Temple and Jianchu Temple in Jiangsu, and built a sutra library, as well as searched for various Buddhist scriptures, as well as initiating the collection of the Tripitaka in each temple. He composed several works, and his disciples and followers amounted to over 10,000 people.
During the rule of Emperor Wu (reigned 502–549) of the Liang dynasty, Sengyou was in charge of imperial casting work. According to the Biographies of Eminent Monks, he was also involved in several restoration projects which aided in his proficiency in the field of sculptural art.
The bronze statue of Amitabha Buddha at Guangzhai Temple in Jiangsu was under construction for several years until Sengyou took over the project in 509. The work was completed under his leadership, although the statue no longer exists today. His two existing works are the Amitabha Buddha Triad at the Qixiashan Caves in Jiangsu and the Maitreya Buddha of Dafo Temple in Zhejiang.