A Study of the Organizational Structure and Denominational Attribute of the Liu-Zhao Sect in Eastern Sichuan

ZHANG Yuanyuan, HU Sheng

Studies In Dazu Rock Carvings ›› 2025 ›› Issue (1) : 34-49.

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PDF(9194 KB)
Studies In Dazu Rock Carvings ›› 2025 ›› Issue (1) : 34-49. DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.2097-4698.2025.01.003
Research on Bashu Grottoes

A Study of the Organizational Structure and Denominational Attribute of the Liu-Zhao Sect in Eastern Sichuan

  • ZHANG Yuanyuan1, HU Sheng2
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Abstract

During the late Southern Song Dynasty, the Liu-Zhao Sect carried out large-scale statue-making activities in eastern Sichuan. Three unique self-created statues—Liu Benzun, Curly-Haired Figures and Straight-Haired Figures—are widely distributed within the sect's iconographic system, collectively reflecting its organizational structure. The statue of Liu Benzun, depicted as a standardized grha-pati (lay Buddhist) figure, wears a Dongpo scarf and a cross-collared garment with only one eye, one ear and one arm. Curly-Haired Figures are characterized by their tightly curly hair, while Straight-Haired Figures feature straight ear-length hair. Through systematic collection, sorting and study of three kinds of statues, it argues that the people composing the Liu-Zhao Sect are divided into three hierarchical categories. Liu Juzhi, the supreme Benzun patriarch, serves as sect's leader. The Curly-Haired Figures, symbolizing senior devotees proficient in Buddhist teachings, form the core. The Straight-Haired Figure who represent the ordinary followers constitute the foundation. In the sect's idealized structure, grha-pati dominates. The sect enshrine a group of well-known grha-pati figures in their grottos. The statue of Vimalakirti is worshipped atop the Buddha altar in the Small Buddha Bay of Baoding Mountain, while important niches and caves of Big Buddha Bay and Huayan Cave display the names, images and works of Fu Dashi, Li Tongxuan, and Yang Jie, further underscoring the special attributes of the Liu-Zhao Sect as a grha-pati-centered religious community.

Key words

Liu-Zhao Sect / Liu Benzun / organizational structure / grha-pati-centered religious community

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ZHANG Yuanyuan, HU Sheng. A Study of the Organizational Structure and Denominational Attribute of the Liu-Zhao Sect in Eastern Sichuan[J]. Studies In Dazu Rock Carvings. 2025(1): 34-49 https://doi.org/10.3969/j.issn.2097-4698.2025.01.003
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