Anyue Vairocana Cave 8: Ten Austerities of Liu Benzun

CHINA, Sichuan, Ziyang; Northern Song dynasty

These scenes are located on the back wall of the cave surrounding the central Vairocana Buddha. Born in the Sichuan area during the Tang dynasty (618–907), Liu Benzun was a highly realized practitioner known for his extreme ascetic practices. The odd numbered austerities are depicted on the left side of the Buddha, while the even numbered ones are carved on the right.
The austerities are: 1) burning the finger, with a flame appearing from his left index finger; 2) standing in the snow, represented by a snowy mountain behind him; 3) burning the ankle, expressed by a flame on his ankle; 4) gouging out the eye, with the left hand holding a knife up to the face and the right hand at chest level to catch the eye; 5) cutting off the ear, illustrated by holding a knife to an ear; 6) burning the chest, with a flame upon the bare chest; 7) burning the top of the head, depicted with a flame on the head; 8) cutting off the arm, shown by one hand holding a knife and the other extended to receive the cut; 9) burning the genitals, expressed by a flame below his waist; and 10) burning the knees, depicted by uncovered knees and a flame appearing on each.
The main figure, Liu Benzun, has a peaceful expression despite his bodily sacrifices. Each scene is accompanied by an inscription describing the practice it depicts. Surrounding each carving of Liu Benzun are Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, and Dharma protectors acting as witnesses.