Transcription of Shurangama Sutra (The Sutra of the Heroic One) in Gold on Indigo Paper, Volume 7

The Shurangama Sutra, which is also called the Sutra of the Heroic One, contains the central idea that it is necessary to practice and experience the Buddha’s teachings, and not merely to understand them. It is also the basic sutra that monks learn in the process of acquiring discipline. This book was transcribed from 10 volumes of the Shurangama Sutra translated by Pramiti of the Tang Dynasty, of which only volume 7 has been preserved. Written in gold on indigo paper, it is a folding screen type of book measuring 81.4 cm by 11.1 cm when folded. The cover, which is decorated with a splendid flower design, bears the title elaborately written in gold. The last two sections, which must have been lost at some point missing, were clearly rewritten. Although it cannot be said with any precision when this book was made or by whom, it is estimated to have been printed sometime in the 14th century, judging from the style of the cover and the written text.