Shisunshan Rock Carvings Niche 32: Avatamsaka Triad

CHINA, Sichuan, Chengdu; Tang dynasty

Niche 32 measures 4.8 m wide, 4.2 m high, and 1.8 m deep. A stele outside the niche identifies the year of construction as 768 during the Tang dynasty. The main statue, Vairocana Buddha, is flanked by Manjusri and Samantabhadra Bodhisattvas, as well as by reliefs of two disciples. Reliefs of warriors are sculpted on the side walls.
Vairocana Buddha has a circular nimbus surrounding a round face. A loose monastic robe, covering both shoulders, is worn over an inner robe and hangs down onto a Sumeru throne. Seated in full lotus postion on the throne, Vairocana has hands joined in the dhyana (meditation) mudra. Manjusri and Samantabhadra sit with legs crossed upon a lion and a six-tusked white elephant, respectively. They both have petal-shaped nimbuses behind their heads and appear tranquil. They wear loose robes adorned with beaded ornaments. The two disciples are the aged Mahakasyapa and the young Ananda. The two warriors on the side walls have bare upper bodies with stoles swaying behind them.