General Description:
Imagine a huge Buddha-covered cliff facing a beautiful river with the biggest Buddha you could even think of sitting in the middle, gazing out at you. The place you’re imagining is the Shrine to the Great Vairocana Buddha, one of the many shrines located in the Grottoes, part of the Longmen Grottoes near Luoyang, China. The many different caves and carvings which cover the Grottoes were completed under the sponsorship of Empress Wu during the year 676. This monumental shrine is a prime example of Chinese art. A lot of the details, such as the lotus petals which Buddha sits upon, have been worn away by erosion and weathering but the prevalent beauty is obvious, never the less.
Architectural Design:
The 57 foot Shrine to Vairocana Buddha is a landscape design, carved into the natural limestone hills of the Grottoes. This Shrine is the largest part of the Fengxian Caves. This particular shrine depicts Vairocana Buddha sitting on a huge lotus flower, surrounded by some of his disciples and other spiritual figures as well. To the left and right of the Buddha are many other carvings, mostly representing spiritual beings or deities, there are also many small caves, which are filled with more carvings as well as other art forms.
Harmony With Nature:
Since the shrine is a dedication to Buddhism, which represents harmony with the self, surroundings, and nature, it is naturally harmonious. Being of limestone, it represents the element, earth. All the figures have very strong, yet very soft expressions, they are calm, like the water running in front of it. From the facial expressions, to the way it reflects the sun, creating a glow that accents itself, each part of the shrine radiates peace. Most aspects of the shrine represent accents of the Buddhist way of life. For example, though the earth was manipulated, it was added to and improved; the place was left in a better condition than it was found. Unlike mining which leaves the used land empty and scarred, this adjustment left something beautiful
behind.
Symbolism and Sacred Objects:
Every part of this shrine is symbolic. It used to be covered in rich colors and bright gold, all of which is long gone due to people, weathering and other deconstructive forces, which represents prosperity and wealth. The other figures carved out of the limestone face represent spirits and deities which are worshiped by Buddhist’s. Features of the other figures represent what the respective spirit controls/has power of. The face of Vairocana Buddha is said to be made in the likeness of Empress Wu Zetian, and has been called the ‘Mona Lisa’ of China.
How it is Used by Worshippers:
The Longmen Grottoes are used by worshipers as a pilgrimage destination on their journey to well being. Visiting this site is a trip made by Buddhist from all around the world. It being so large, and astounding is also used by tourist as a ‘must see’ attraction. The Shrine of Vairocana Buddha is also a part of the Fengxian Temple. Supposedly by worshipping at the shrine, not only visitors gain improved karma, the emperor who commissioned it does as well.
Sources:
- http://www.travelchinaguide.com/attraction/henan/luoyang/longmen.htm
- http://www.orientalarchitecture.com/china/luoyang/longmen.php
- http://www.world-heritage-tour.org/asia/china/longmen/feng-xian-si/sphere-flash.html
- http://www.international.ucla.edu/china/papers/mcnair_paper.pdf
- Exploring Art by Margaret Lazzari and Dona Schlesier (Textbook
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