Rediscovering the Textual Sources of the “De Dashizhi Pusa 得大勢志菩薩” in Cave 169 of Bingling Temple

Abstract

Niche 6 in Cave 169 of Bingling Temple 炳靈寺 contains the earliest surviving Amitāyus sculpture triad in cave temples of China. This paper attempts to re-identify the textual sources of the ink inscription “De Dashizhi Pusa 得大勢志菩薩” (Skt. Mahāsthāmaprāpta Bodhisattva) from the Amitāyus sculpture triad in Cave 169. At first, it corrects the misidentification of the inscription “De Dashizhi Pusa” in recent decades. Then, it discusses the relationship between multiple scriptures and “De Dashizhi Pusa”. Considering the configuration of the niches, the theme of the sutra, the translation and transmission history of the sutra, and the content of the statue, this paper concludes that the inscription “De Dashizhi Pusa” and niche 6 should have been significantly influenced by the Lotus Sutra 法華經, although this paper does not deny the indirect and partial influence from the Pure Land texts on the Amitāyus sculpture triad during its restoration process. Such a discovery not only sheds light on the configuration of the Lotus Sutra images, but also provides art historical evidence for future exploration of the relationship between the Lotus Sutra and Pure Land Buddhism.