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The Sutra of Perfect Enlightenment

ca. 1350-1400

This accordion manuscript painted in gold on indigo paper is a version of the Sutra of Perfect Enlightenment, a Buddhist text whose translation into Chinese, attributed to the Indian monk Buddhatrata, dates from the Tang dynasty (618–907). Now regarded as apocryphal, the sutra is known in particular for its marked influence on Zen Buddhism. The text in twelve chapters focuses on the miraculous law of perfect enlightenment as preached by the Buddha to Manjushri and eleven other bodhisattvas.

Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi/ Photo: APF

Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi/ Photo: APF

Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi/ Photo: APF

Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi/ Photo: APF

Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi/ Photo: APF

Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi/ Photo: APF

Title: The Sutra of Perfect Enlightenment
Geography: China
Date: ca. 1350-1400 
Medium: gold ink on paper
Classification: manuscript
Dimensions: max. 32.4 x 11.1 cm; total length 190.5 cm
Inventory number: LAD 2014.007
Contact for images: [email protected]
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