Vimalakirti Sutra In Ancient Rome

Monumental inscribed sutras are unique feature of Northern Qi. During this period, Buddhism was state sponsored religion, therefore there is a very close relationship between caves of Xiangtangshan and ruling elite. In fact, these cave groups were commissioned by the court. As it can be read on the stele standing on the temple site, “...In the reign of Emperor Wenxuan of the Northern Qi...caves were excavated and Buddhist images carved”. Interestingly enough, the choice of Vimalakirti sutra, that was carved at the full length and occupied the entire space of the cave. This particular sutra was very popular and it reflected the belief that enlightenment can be achieved even by lay people. Therefore, not only monks, but ruling elite and the Emperor

were eligible for the enlightenment.
Government widely supported Buddhist scholars. Many influential monks knew about Confucian “stone classics”, that could be an inspiration to inscribe sutras. So the authority of Buddhism and its sponsoring rulers were equated to the Confucian classics. Monument project like Xiangtangshan had important social and political role. As a part of state sponsored religion, it was meant to strengthen and protect the dynasty.
Tōdaiji Buddha is colossal statue of Vairocana. Though it’s not the original one, it is the biggest cast-bronze statue survived in Buddhist Asia. Sculpture in Tōdaiji was commissioned by Emperor Shomu, who was active supporter of religion. The ruler had connection with prominent monks, who were active during his reign and provided doctrinal foundation for the sculpture. Thus the choice of Vairocana was predetermined by widespread popularity of Avatamsaka sutra. Vairocana, the universal Buddha, was viewed as “protector of the nation”. Rich gilding of Tōdaiji Buddha symbolized not only the light of Vairocana, but wealth and authority of the Emperor (Toshifumi, “Tōdaiji’s Great Buddha) .
Production of both objects involved the influence of Buddhist monks, who had connection to the court, and the concept of merit that can improve one’s karma. Both object are monumental in its scale. In China and Japan, Buddhism was state sponsored religion. Xiangtangshan and Tōdaiji project were commissioned by the Emperors, therefore they can be understood as a way to express the authority and power of the ruling elite through art.