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Datong: Yunggang Grottoes
2008.05.30
This scenic spot is a UNESCO Cultural Heritage site which they labelled as the "masterpiece of early Chinese Buddhist cave art."
I'd say, they're right.
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This scenic spot is a UNESCO Cultural Heritage site which they labelled as the "masterpiece of early Chinese Buddhist cave art."
I'd say, they're right.
1
There are 21 caves here and more than 50,000 carved figures and statues. The biggest is 17 meter high Buddha and the smallest one is about 7 cm.
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There are 21 caves here and more than 50,000 carved figures and statues. The biggest is 17 meter high Buddha and the smallest one is about 7 cm.
2
Above is the 17m colossal seated Buddha in Cave 5. It's the tallest of all the carvings. Notice the other intricate carvings on the side and around the whole cave.
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Above is the 17m colossal seated Buddha in Cave 5. It's the tallest of all the carvings. Notice the other intricate carvings on the side and around the whole cave.
3
Honestly, I was floored. Really floored. Once you are inside these thousands of sculptures, you can feel the calmness and serenity of the place sans the noisy voices of the tour guides introducing this and that.
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Honestly, I was floored. Really floored. Once you are inside these thousands of sculptures, you can feel the calmness and serenity of the place sans the noisy voices of the tour guides introducing this and that.
4
In Caves 5-13, the walls are fabulously carved with tales and stories of Siddhartha Gautama Buddha. When our pointed out the statues about the life of Siddharta from birth to his attainment of Nirvana, I was not listening because I know the story. Siddhartha, a book, by Herman Hesse was a required reading in our literary criticism class in college. I'm proud I know the story. My co-tourists were clueless. They were absorbed listening to the guide while I was bidding time to take pictures.
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In Caves 5-13, the walls are fabulously carved with tales and stories of Siddhartha Gautama Buddha. When our pointed out the statues about the life of Siddharta from birth to his attainment of Nirvana, I was not listening because I know the story. Siddhartha, a book, by Herman Hesse was a required reading in our literary criticism class in college. I'm proud I know the story. My co-tourists were clueless. They were absorbed listening to the guide while I was bidding time to take pictures.
5
Some carvings show Hindu influences. Historical records say that the the statues were carved during AD 460 and 494.
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Some carvings show Hindu influences. Historical records say that the the statues were carved during AD 460 and 494.
6
Despite of its ancientness, the beauty still remains. Though the grandeur of perfection is not anymore there, the caves stood the test of time. However, some outside carvings have surrendered to Time little by little losing its heads, arms, legs, body and eyes.
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Despite of its ancientness, the beauty still remains. Though the grandeur of perfection is not anymore there, the caves stood the test of time. However, some outside carvings have surrendered to Time little by little losing its heads, arms, legs, body and eyes.
7
Every cave has it's own theme or characteristics. From wall to roof, the caves are like works of a genius who must have spent and devoted all his life to his art.
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Every cave has it's own theme or characteristics. From wall to roof, the caves are like works of a genius who must have spent and devoted all his life to his art.
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The carvings are so awesome and I can't even blink an eye to marvel the beauty in front of me.
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The carvings are so awesome and I can't even blink an eye to marvel the beauty in front of me.
9
I thought it was just like one of the special effects in the movie where minitiature statues were made into colossal, unbelievable sizes.
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I thought it was just like one of the special effects in the movie where minitiature statues were made into colossal, unbelievable sizes.
10
Story on the life of Buddha.
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Story on the life of Buddha.
11
No, they were not put piece by piece but carved in there by talented hands of the monks.
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No, they were not put piece by piece but carved in there by talented hands of the monks.
12
Real splendid!
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Real splendid!
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Three Buddhas flanked by Boddhisatvas.
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Three Buddhas flanked by Boddhisatvas.
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See that?
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See that?
15
A cave in a cave. :)
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A cave in a cave. :)
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Outside cave carvings.
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Outside cave carvings.
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I forgot who these statutes are. They have names. ;)
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I forgot who these statutes are. They have names. ;)
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Edge to edge is covered with carvings.
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Edge to edge is covered with carvings.
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Delicate yet beautiful.
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Delicate yet beautiful.
21
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One of the tallest Buddhas. The little one is a student of his.
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One of the tallest Buddhas. The little one is a student of his.
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Some of the statutes are damaged by the so called weathering.
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Some of the statutes are damaged by the so called weathering.
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Another standing, tall Buddha.
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Another standing, tall Buddha.
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Sitting Buddha.
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Sitting Buddha.
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They might be damaged but has still survived. ;)
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They might be damaged but has still survived. ;)
27
This is the largest Buddha outside the caves. He is flanked by two Boddhisatvas.
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This is the largest Buddha outside the caves. He is flanked by two Boddhisatvas.
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This is, perhaps, my longest entry with the most number of photos. Please, be patient to wait if your server is slow.
I'm not a practicing Buddhist or a fanatic but I hope I can transfer the feelings I felt when I visited the place. It's just undescribable---50,000 statues and carved statutes of Buddhas are just awesome and unforgettable!
If there's a chance, I'm gonna go back there again and again. :)
