大足石刻（the dazu rock carvings） - terebess.docVIP

Baodingshan As the a major site representing Buddhism during Song Dynasty China, Baodingshan is arguably the most unique of the five carving clusters in Dazu. Baodingshan translates to Summit of Treasures1. Buddhist monk Zhao Zhifeng pioneered the creation of the carvings and spent 70 years working on the grotto art of Baodingshan2. A devoted follower of religious leader and layman Liu Benzun, Zhao Zhifeng was inspired by Liu’s influence on Esoteric Buddhism in China and wanted to dedicate a site to the greatly worshipped Liu. Many of the carvings in Baodingshan embody the ideologies exemplified by Liu Benzun as well as Zhao’s dedication to him. /baodingshan/photo-list-1-1.html The carvings of Baodingshan are on the sides of a U-shaped gorge a few hundred meters above sea level and are divided into two groups: Xiaofawan (Small Baodingshan) and Dafowan (Large Baodingshan). The Large Baodingshan served as a teaching ground, where Buddhist doctrines were presented to the public by Zhao Zhifeng. The Small Baodingshan was the inner field, a ground more specifically for the consecration into Zhao’s sect. In addition, the outer parts of Baodingshan contains various “demonic-looking” guardians and Bodhisattva statues that serve to defend the inner scared grounds3.?It may be important to note that pilgrimage to Baodingshan involves a great deal of ascending and descending4. The difficulty of getting to the site reflects the effort and discipline it takes one to practice Buddhism and achieve enlightenment.? Above is a diagram of Baodingshan5, showing each cluster of carvings as a specific narrative or sequence. There are 31 in total. It is noted that the carvings at Baodingshan are arranged in a counterclockwise fashion, and it is apparent that the narratives depicted by the carvings are ordered in this way purposely by Zhao Zhifeng.? 1, 3-5.?Angela Falco Howard, Summit of Treasures: Buddhist Cave Art of Dazu, China (Trumbull, CT:?Weatherhill, 2001). 2. Dazu Rock Carvings, U