Erfo Temple Rock Carvings: Buddha and Six Patriarchs

CHINA, Chongqing, Hechuan; Southern Song dynasty

This scene, located on the west cliff, features a central Buddha surrounded by the Six Patriarchs of the Chan school. The Buddha stands barefoot with hands crossed in front of the waist, holding prayer beads. Behind the Buddha’s head is a golden nimbus. Three patriarchs stand in triangular formation on each side of the Buddha. At the top of the group on the left is the first patriarch, Bodhidharma, who joins his hands together at his waist. The figure on the lower left of this group is Huike, the second patriarch, holding his self-amputated left arm, and to his right is the third patriarch, Sengcan, carrying prayer beads. To the right of the Buddha, Daoxin, the fourth patriarch, is positioned at the top with joined palms. The fifth patriarch, Hongren, is on the lower left, holding a whisk, while the sixth patriarch, Huineng, stands on the right holding a wrapped bundle containing an alms bowl and robe, representing Dharma transmission. An inscription beside the figures states that they were made in 1186 with an intent to repay the kindness of others, spread grace to all living beings, and attain enlightenment.