003 A Timeless Masterpiece of Devotion and Art – day2

Baodingshan was constructed during the Southern Song Dynasty (1127–1279), yet it remained virtually unknown to the outside world until the 1980s when the site was finally opened to the public. The first formal research was recorded in 1944, and in 1999, Baodingshan was inscribed as part of the Dazu Rock Carvings UNESCO World Heritage Site . The site is celebrated for its exceptional artistic quality, deep cultural significance, and immense historical value. These carvings vividly reflect the spiritual life, social customs, and aesthetic ideals of pre-modern China. The Monk Behind the Mission Around the 12th century, during the Song Dynasty, a Buddhist monk named Zhao Zhifeng (赵智凤) initiated an ambitious stone-carving project on Mount Baoding, which at the time remained untouched. He devoted over 70 years of his life to this monumental task, enriching the Dazu rock carving complex with countless new sculptures. Origin and Protection Scholars suggest that this form of stone carving originated in ancient India and spread to China alongside the Buddhist faith. The site's remote and rugged location was deliberately chosen to shield these works from looters, invaders, and even natural disasters . Two Major Sections at Baodingshan Great Buddha Bend – This section features the largest Buddhist rock carving in China. It includes striking depictions of Buddhist hell and the awe-inspiring thousand-handed, thousand-eyed Avalokitesvara (Guanyin) . Little Buddha Bend (小佛弯) – Located uphill behind the main temple, this quieter section holds its own unique spiritual charm . Where Faiths Converge The Dazu Rock Carvings comprise five major groups, which serve as compelling evidence of the harmonious integration of Tantric Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism . What makes these carvings extraordinary is not only their stylistic and thematic diversity but also the remarkable craftsmanship involved. Sculpting Through Time The sculptors employed a wide range of techniques—high relief, openwork, and low relief—to create intricate and emotive figures. The delicate detailing in each piece reflects deep imagination and unwavering devotion from the artisans who poured their hearts into this sacred labor . Getting There From the parking lot to the entrance, visitors must take an electric shuttle. The Baodingshan Park is vast and shaded by lush greenery . At the entrance stands a carved pillar resembling Emperor Ashoka's columns, topped with lions but without the Dharma wheel. Everyone is required to purchase a ticket , including seniors over 60. Sacred Teachings in Stone Inside the complex, one can clearly sense the profound commitment to Tantric Buddhist philosophy. Many of the statues embed moral teachings—such as the Five Precepts, the consequences of breaking them, the duty of filial piety, and the laws of karma . Highlights to Remember A sculpture of the Buddha’s birth, where nine dragons spout water to cleanse his body Guanyin seated atop a peacock, surrounded by celestial beings and demons The reclining Buddha at parinirvana The thousand-armed, thousand-eyed Guanyin, with 1,007 hands and an eye on each palm Symbolism and Surprises A particularly intriguing figure is Manjushri Bodhisattva, holding a seven-tiered pagoda weighing 500 kilograms — seemingly defying gravity . There's also a beautiful series of carvings of humans and water buffalo, symbolizing the gradual training of the mind to overcome desire and attachment . Shengshou Temple and Beyond On the way back, we passed Shengshou Temple, which wasn’t part of the official tour, so we didn’t go in. However, I did take a few steps past the temple gate to quietly offer a prayer . Farewell Path and Sweet Moments The exit path is shaded and lined with seasonal flowers — peonies, cherry blossoms (yinghua) , and trees gently shedding their colored leaves as spring warmth returns. Our tour guide treated everyone to ice cream, and the most surprising one was “corn ice cream” — not just corn-flavored but actually shaped like a whole ear of corn! Since it wasn't peak tourist season, most shops remained closed. However, some local vendors were selling fresh fruit — oranges and strawberries — at very affordable prices. My family didn’t buy any, but others in the group did and kindly shared their fruit with us. It was a simple yet heartfelt moment — the beginning of new friendships forged through kindness . #travel#familytravel#myitinerary