Emeishan Jinding Huazang Temple: Samantabhadra Bodhisattva of the Ten Directions

CHINA, Sichuan, Leshan

The statue is the tallest figure of Samantabhadra erected to date. The Bodhisattva has two bodies and ten heads. The body at the front holds a ruyi (wish-fulfilling talisman) and is seated in the posture of relaxation, while the one at the back is in meditation. The ten heads are divided into three levels: four heads on the first and second levels and two on the third. The figure is seated upon a lotus throne which is balanced on four elephants. The elephants, each with six tusks, stand back-to-back. The statue covers an area of 1,256 sq m and weighs 600 t.
The name and design of the statue are filled with symbolism; the ten heads represent the ten vows made by the Bodhisattva, the four elephants represent the four great vows, and the ten directions refers to the eight cardinal points as well as above and below. There is a building beneath the statue which enshrines a statue of Amitabha Buddha.