Leaves from an Ashtasahasrika Prajnaparamita Sutra
Not on view
Lavishly illustrated Perfection of Wisdom texts are understood to contain the totality of Buddhist ideology. Often they were not read but rather were placed on altars so they could be venerated almost like images. This well-preserved Indian palm-leaf manuscript probably made its way to Tibet, where it survived in the cold, dry climate. Avalokiteshvara twists to display the teaching gesture while looking down from his throne to engage with a seated female devotee. The floating stupa evokes the Buddha’s teaching (dharma) and the underlying quality of Buddhahood within all devotees.
On view from March 27–September 19, 2021
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