Anyue Vairocana Cave 8

CHINA, Sichuan, Ziyang

This cave, located on Jueshan (Stone Mountain) in Shiyangchang, was created during the Northern Song dynasty (960–1127). It measures 1.45 m wide, 6.5 m high, and 4.5 m deep. Seated at the back wall is the main figure, Vairocana Buddha, wearing an openwork crown atop tightly curled hair. The 2.9 m high Vairocana sits cross-legged upon a raised throne draped with a cloth, supported by two fierce-looking warriors, each of which is 85 cm high.
Sculpted on either side of the Buddha are carvings of the Ten Austerities of Liu Benzun. There is an inscription beside each scene describing the practice it represents. Around these carvings are various other sculptures of Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, and Dharma protectors acting as witnesses to the practices.
On each side of the cave entrance is a carving of a Heavenly King, and on the lower left corner of the cave is a sculpture depicting the story of King Mahaprabhasa as described in the Returning Favors Sutra. At the top of the cave there are five small niches containing five Buddhas, as well as two inscriptions detailing the life and accomplishments of Liu Benzun.