Chinese people write scriptures

Author: Editorial Group of Selected Calligraphic Works from Ancient Inscriptions and Stone Carvings
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2000-03-01
Features: Buddhism was introduced to China during the Han Dynasty and flourished by the Tang Dynasty. At that time, people engaged in numerous activities such as building temples, constructing pagodas, creating Buddha statues, and copying scriptures. After more than a thousand years, many precious cultural relics have been left behind, and Tang Dynasty Manuscripts of Copied Scriptures is one of them. This work is on paper, measuring 25.8 cm in height and 78.9 cm in width. At the beginning of the scroll is the title: "The Fourth Volume, the Fifty-Fifth Chapter of Abhidharmaprabhāratā by ?īlabhadra." Abhidharma is translated as "Treatise" or "Commentary," and this treatise is a commentary on the Abhidharmāpraj?āpāramitā by the Indian Hinayana Buddhist school of the Sarvāstivāda, translated by Fudabodhi and Daotai during the Northern Liang Dynasty. The original text consisted of one hundred volumes, of which sixty volumes remain today. At the end of the scroll are inscriptions such as "On the fifteenth day of the seventh month of the Longshuo era (AD 662), Right General and Marquis of Huguo, Yu Shibaojin, along with the monk Daoshuang and other knowledgeable friends from Hu County, respectfully copied all revered scriptures at Yunji Mountain Temple," and "Script copied by Shen Hong, a professional scripture scribe." This scroll features well-structured calligraphy, precise brushwork, a strong and full font, and a harmonious blend of vigor and elegance. We introduce Tang Dynasty Manuscripts of Copied Scriptures with the hope that calligraphy enthusiasts can draw inspiration from the essence of these works left by the generations, allowing them to be further preserved and celebrated.