Narrative Integration: An In-Depth Exploration of the “Buddha Story Stele” in the Maiji Mountain Grottoes
This research delves into the intricacies of the “Buddha Story Stele” in Cave 133 of the Maiji Mountain Grottoes, China, examining the sculptural combinations and conceptual nuances rooted in Buddhist culture from the 5th to the 6th centuries CE. The research focuses on discerning the identities of...
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MDPI AG
2024-02-01
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Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2077-1444/15/3/254 |
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author | Zejie Lin Zhijun Li Meizi Xie |
author_facet | Zejie Lin Zhijun Li Meizi Xie |
author_sort | Zejie Lin |
collection | DOAJ |
description | This research delves into the intricacies of the “Buddha Story Stele” in Cave 133 of the Maiji Mountain Grottoes, China, examining the sculptural combinations and conceptual nuances rooted in Buddhist culture from the 5th to the 6th centuries CE. The research focuses on discerning the identities of the “Two Adjacent-Seated Buddhas” and the Cross-Legged Bodhisattva carved on the stele, concurrently delving into the embedded symbolic significance within its structural composition. Our investigation posits that the upper, middle, and lower segments of the “Buddha Story Stele” respectively symbolize the post-Nirvana Dharmakāya Shakyamuni, the Bodhisattva Shakyamuni, and the Buddha Shakyamuni of Sumedha. Advancing scholarly discourse, it reevaluates the Cross-Legged Bodhisattva’s identity and the configuration of the “Two Adjacent-Seated Buddhas”, elucidating the interplay of imagery and conceptual themes. This study provides pivotal insights into the sculptural arrangement and religious thought transmission in the Maiji Mountain Grottoes, contributing significant academic and cultural value to preserve this unique heritage. |
first_indexed | 2024-04-24T17:52:43Z |
format | Article |
id | doaj.art-584b50966fa94144aeda637c5f61fe17 |
institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
issn | 2077-1444 |
language | English |
last_indexed | 2024-04-24T17:52:43Z |
publishDate | 2024-02-01 |
publisher | MDPI AG |
record_format | Article |
series | Religions |
spelling | doaj.art-584b50966fa94144aeda637c5f61fe172024-03-27T14:02:03ZengMDPI AGReligions2077-14442024-02-0115325410.3390/rel15030254Narrative Integration: An In-Depth Exploration of the “Buddha Story Stele” in the Maiji Mountain GrottoesZejie Lin0Zhijun Li1Meizi Xie2School of Humanities, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, ChinaSchool of History and Culture, Henan University, Kaifeng 475001, ChinaSchool of Humanities, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, ChinaThis research delves into the intricacies of the “Buddha Story Stele” in Cave 133 of the Maiji Mountain Grottoes, China, examining the sculptural combinations and conceptual nuances rooted in Buddhist culture from the 5th to the 6th centuries CE. The research focuses on discerning the identities of the “Two Adjacent-Seated Buddhas” and the Cross-Legged Bodhisattva carved on the stele, concurrently delving into the embedded symbolic significance within its structural composition. Our investigation posits that the upper, middle, and lower segments of the “Buddha Story Stele” respectively symbolize the post-Nirvana Dharmakāya Shakyamuni, the Bodhisattva Shakyamuni, and the Buddha Shakyamuni of Sumedha. Advancing scholarly discourse, it reevaluates the Cross-Legged Bodhisattva’s identity and the configuration of the “Two Adjacent-Seated Buddhas”, elucidating the interplay of imagery and conceptual themes. This study provides pivotal insights into the sculptural arrangement and religious thought transmission in the Maiji Mountain Grottoes, contributing significant academic and cultural value to preserve this unique heritage.https://www.mdpi.com/2077-1444/15/3/254religious iconographyChinese Buddhist artcave art interpretationTwo Adjacent-Seated BuddhasCross-Legged BodhisattvaMaiji Mountain Grottoes |
spellingShingle | Zejie Lin Zhijun Li Meizi Xie Narrative Integration: An In-Depth Exploration of the “Buddha Story Stele” in the Maiji Mountain Grottoes Religions religious iconography Chinese Buddhist art cave art interpretation Two Adjacent-Seated Buddhas Cross-Legged Bodhisattva Maiji Mountain Grottoes |
title | Narrative Integration: An In-Depth Exploration of the “Buddha Story Stele” in the Maiji Mountain Grottoes |
title_full | Narrative Integration: An In-Depth Exploration of the “Buddha Story Stele” in the Maiji Mountain Grottoes |
title_fullStr | Narrative Integration: An In-Depth Exploration of the “Buddha Story Stele” in the Maiji Mountain Grottoes |
title_full_unstemmed | Narrative Integration: An In-Depth Exploration of the “Buddha Story Stele” in the Maiji Mountain Grottoes |
title_short | Narrative Integration: An In-Depth Exploration of the “Buddha Story Stele” in the Maiji Mountain Grottoes |
title_sort | narrative integration an in depth exploration of the buddha story stele in the maiji mountain grottoes |
topic | religious iconography Chinese Buddhist art cave art interpretation Two Adjacent-Seated Buddhas Cross-Legged Bodhisattva Maiji Mountain Grottoes |
url | https://www.mdpi.com/2077-1444/15/3/254 |
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