Bazhong Rock Carvings Shuining Temple Niche 3

CHINA, Sichuan, Bazhong

Niche 3, located on the cliff behind Shuining Temple, is 1.65 m wide, 1.84 m high, and 1.08 m deep. Carved on the back wall are Sakyamuni Buddha on the left and a figure on the right who has been identified as either Prabhutaratna Buddha or Maitreya Buddha. The head of a Bodhisattva appears between the two main figures at the center.
Sakyamuni Buddha is seated on a lotus platform, dressed in monastic robes. Both hands were held before the chest, but are now damaged. The Buddha on the right sits with legs pendent, both bare feet resting on a shallow lotus platform. One hand rests on the knee; the other is damaged. Behind each Buddha is a petal-shaped nimbus and a round aureole.
The left and right walls of the cave are carved with numerous figures, including one Bodhisattva, five disciples, a warrior, and a figure listening to the Dharma. The walls and ceiling of the niche are decorated with carvings of flowers and leaves.