The Reclining Buddha at Baoding Mountain in Dazu

The Reclining Buddha at Baoding Mountain in Dazu

The Reclining Buddha at Baoding Mountain in Dazu is 31 meters long, lying with its head to the north, feet to the south, back to the east, and face to the west, on its right side. Its eyes are half-open and half-closed, as if in a state between sleep and wakefulness, exuding serenity and tranquility. In Buddhist scriptures, this scene is referred to as the "Sacred Image of Shakyamuni's Parinirvana." Parinirvana represents the highest state in Buddhism, where one attains enlightenment and liberation from the cycle of birth, aging, sickness, death, and the sufferings caused by desires and anxieties, entering an ideal realm of "no birth, no death" that is perfectly sublime. This is also the ultimate ideal pursued by all beings who embrace the Buddhist teachings. As a result, the image evokes a solemn and peaceful atmosphere, naturally inspiring a sense of calm beauty that clears the mind, transcends worldly concerns, and reflects inner clarity. Moreover, the Reclining Buddha at Baoding Mountain is depicted as a half-body figure, with its lower half submerged into the rocky cliff. This artistic technique—suggesting more than what is shown—creates an effect where limited depiction sparks limitless imagination. Hence, there’s a local saying in Dazu about the Baoding Mountain Reclining Buddha: "Its body lies in Dazu, its hand touches Baxian, and its foot steps on Luzhou," offering endless room for the imagination.