The Giant Buddha statue in Leshan, Sichuan, China, is not only a magnificent symbol of sculptural artistry and Buddhist faith but also conceals many mysterious and intriguing stories.
Over its more than a thousand years of existence, this Buddha statue has become the subject of numerous legends, among which the phenomenon of the “weeping statue” has piqued the curiosity of many and created colorful spiritual tales. But the question arises: Is the phenomenon of the Leshan Buddha’s tears a sign of something supernatural, or is it merely a natural occurrence explained by science?
The Leshan Giant Buddha.
The Leshan Giant Buddha is located at the confluence of the Min River and the Qingyi River, at the foot of Mount Emei. Standing at a height of 71 meters, it is one of the largest Buddha statues in the world, initiated in 713 during the Tang Dynasty and completed in 803. This statue is not only a masterpiece of stone art but also holds deep spiritual significance for the local people.
The statue was constructed to protect the populace from floods from the Min River. In the beliefs of the locals, building a Buddha statue in this strategic location would help control the river’s flow and bring peace to the surrounding areas. The Buddha is carved directly into the cliff face, with a gentle expression and a majestic seated posture, embodying the compassion of the Buddha for all sentient beings.
Throughout the nearly 90 years of construction, the statue has become a spiritual symbol not only of Sichuan but also of the entire southwestern region of China. The local people regard the Leshan Giant Buddha as a symbol of protection, and the statue has become a famous pilgrimage site for Buddhists from all over the world.
One of the most famous phenomena associated with the Leshan Buddha is the occasional “weeping” of the statue. According to legend, whenever a major disaster occurs, such as a natural calamity or war, local residents often witness the Leshan Buddha shedding tears. This phenomenon has appeared multiple times throughout history, with the most notable instance occurring after the significant earthquake in Sichuan in 738. It is said that after the earthquake, the statue began to weep, leading many to believe that the Buddha was mourning for the souls lost in the disaster.
Local residents view the Leshan Giant Buddha as a symbol of protection.
The story of the Buddha’s tears quickly spread and became a legend intertwined with the Leshan Buddha. Many believe it signifies the divine presence, expressing the Buddha’s compassion for human suffering. This legend has been passed down through generations, and whenever the Buddha “weeps,” the people gather to pray and seek protection from the Buddha.
Besides the earthquake in 738, the statue’s weeping phenomenon was also recorded in 1976, just before the Tangshan earthquake, one of the most devastating earthquakes in modern Chinese history. It has been recounted that prior to the disaster, the Leshan Buddha wept, and many considered it a warning sign from the divine.
Although the phenomenon of the “Buddha’s tears” is linked to mythological tales, advancements in science and technology have provided more reasonable explanations for this occurrence.
The tears of the Buddha are actually a result of rock erosion and acid rain.
According to scientists, the tears of the statue are actually a result of rock erosion and the effects of acid rain on the statue. Acid rain is a consequence of environmental pollution, particularly during the period of rapid industrialization in China. When chemicals such as sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) emitted from factories and vehicles react with water vapor in the air, they form weak acids, making the rainwater acidic. When these raindrops come into contact with the stone statue, they erode the statue’s surface, creating cracks and small grooves. Rainwater accumulates in these grooves and gradually flows down, creating the illusion that the statue is weeping.
Moreover, the Leshan Buddha was designed with a hidden drainage system to divert rainwater away from the statue to prevent water accumulation and damage. However, some drainage holes are located directly above the statue’s eyes, causing water to flow from these holes, resembling tears streaming down from the Buddha’s eyes.
The effects of acid rain and rock erosion have caused significant damage to the Buddha statue over the years. Despite being carved from natural stone, environmental factors over the centuries have weakened the stone’s durability and increasingly harmed the statue’s surface. These impacts not only cause the “tears” phenomenon but also lead to other issues such as cracking and overall erosion of the statue’s surface.
In response to this situation, the Chinese government has implemented various measures to protect and restore the statue. One of the key measures is to improve the drainage system and apply modern waterproofing technologies to protect the statue from the damage caused by acid rain. At the same time, air quality monitoring and pollution control measures have also been implemented to minimize pollutant emissions in the area.
The story of the Buddha’s tears has become an integral part of local culture and history.
Thanks to these efforts, the phenomenon of the Leshan Buddha’s tears has significantly decreased in recent years. Environmental protection and conservation measures have yielded positive results, helping to maintain the beauty and sustainability of the statue for the future.
The Leshan Giant Buddha is not only a magnificent work of art and faith but also a symbol of the harmony between nature and humanity. While the phenomenon of the “Buddha’s tears” has been reasonably explained by science, it still retains its mystical allure. For centuries, the tale of the Buddha’s tears has been an essential part of local culture and history, reminding us of humanity’s insignificance in the face of nature and the necessity of environmental protection.
The Leshan Buddha statue, with its stories of tears and majesty, will continue to inspire not only those who believe in Buddhism but also scientists and environmental enthusiasts alike.
