Wanfoshan Caves

CHINA, Henan, Luoyang

Located on a cliffside near Caihe village in Henan, these caves face south. Constructed during the time of Emperor Xuanwu (reigned 499–515) and Emperor Xiaoming (reigned 516–528) of the Northern Wei dynasty, four medium and small caves remain: the Twin Cave, Lotus Cave, Luogu Cave, and Shenyou Cave, as well as a large cliff niche. Inside the caves on the east side, the main Buddha on the back (north) wall is Sakyamuni Buddha. Dipamkara Buddha is located on the west wall, while on the east wall Maitreya Buddha sits with legs crossed at the ankles. In the Lotus Cave, there is a combination of the Buddhas of the Past, Present, and Future. The Sakyamuni Buddha on the back (north) wall of this cave has a damaged head and hands. An Illustration of the Vimalakirti Sutra can be found on both sides of the Buddha. The Luogu Cave, a central pillar cave, is damaged as the ceiling has partially collapsed. The Shenyou Cave, the westernmost cave among the group, is the smallest cave. The main Buddha inside sits in full lotus position on the back (north) wall, whereas the Buddhas of the east and west walls sit with legs pendent.
Inside the large cliff niche there is a triad made up of one Buddha and two Bodhisattvas in high relief. The Buddha wears an inner robe underneath an outer monastic robe that has long, loose sleeves covering both shoulders. The Buddha stands barefoot on a lotus pedestal.