Leshan Giant Buddha

---

The first day of our trip to Chengdu we took a drive to Leshan to see the Giant Buddha. We have seen pictures of this and shows on TV but it is really amazing to see it in person. The Buddha was built during the Tang Dynasty (618 - 907) by a monk named Haitong. It was completed by his followers after his death and stands 71 meters (233 feet). The waters in the river below the Buddha are very swift and he built the Buddha in an attempt to calm the turbulent waters for the safety of the fishermen. I can say the waters are still not calm but I am sure the gods were impressed with his effort. It is said that he walked through the villages to gather money for the Buddha’s construction. The emperor decided that he wanted to take the money from Haitong but he was unwilling to hand it over. He made a deal with the emperor to gouge out his own eyes in payment to keep the money he had collected. After being blinded he still worked on the statue. That is believing in your cause.

There are two Buddha’s on either side of the giant one that serves as protectors. The mountain is made of red sand stone and to the touch it rubs off very easy. These two Buddha’s have been damaged by the weather. The Giant Buddha has been protected for over 1200 years by three factors. The first is it’s location back into the mountain. Also, for many years, there was a pagoda placed in front of it. The third reason is the construction of the head. The carvings on the head are made up of three rows that drain water to the back of the statue instead of over it. What a concept they knew over 1200 years ago.

We first took a boat to see the Buddha. This gives you the best view of the Buddha and the entire mountain. We then climbed to the top of the mountain to the monastery and then down to the Buddha’s feet. Then we climbed back up to the Buddha’s head and then back down to the parking lot. Wow, that was a lot of steps. Once at the top of the mountain we were able to tour the monastery and walk to the Lingbao Pagoda.

What a truly special site this was to see!

---

Photos

Steps back up
I agree with this women. We had to to stop for a rest on the way up.

Buddha Head
You can see the three rows of carvings that work as the drainage system

More Steps
The steps to the Lingbao Pagoda

Comments

[Mom/Dad]

Amazing Trip
Wow!! The pictures are amazing. What a wonderful way to spend the day. Told Dad didn't think he would be able to walk that many steps, he just gave me the I can do anything look. You both look great. Keep the updates coming. Love, Mom & Dad