A Study on the Reasons for the Creation of the Great Statue Niche of Locana Buddha in Longmen——Also on the Shaping of the Image of Emperor Tang Gaozong
The construction of the Longmen Locana Buddha niche was a product of the combined effect of the belief in the Buddha King of the Avatamsaka Sutra and the belief in Manjushri of the imperial family of the Tang Dynasty,by which the Emperor Gaozong portrayed himself as the Buddha King.During the construction of the Great Statue Niche and the Great Bonghsin Temple,Gaozong showed a special emphasis on filial piety,because the practice of filial piety was a necessary foundation for becoming a worthy ruler.Around the first year of Qianfeng(A.D.666),the Emperor Gaozong proceeded with a series of activities to show his merits to all the people of the world,such as the enthronement ceremony at Mount Tai and the creation of Mingtang(ceremonial hall in a palace),in order to create an image of himself as a brilliant ruler,among which,the construction of the Longmen Locana statue niche should be the important part.
Longmen GrottoesLocana BuddhaEmperor Tang Gaozongimage of a brilliant ruler