Vairocanabhisambodhi Sutra (Dai birushana jobutsu kyo)Volume Four; Final inspection postscript by Enchin on September 29

Ink on Paper / One Scroll

  • original
  • transcription

Enchin had a deep interest in this particular Sutra and wrote related texts including the Dainichi-kyo Shiiki and Dainichi-kyo Shinmoku at Shinou-in Temple on Mt. Shiroyama in Dazaifu in 852, just before his trip to Tang China. During his journey to China to further his studies of Buddhism, he also had with him 450 volumes of sutras. This volume, too, was a manuscript prepared in Japan for the purpose of his studies in China, and it seems that Enchin kept it close and continued revising it during his stay there. The postscript at the end of the volume, "Inspected once, details yet to be obtained, September 29, written by the wandering monk Enchin," provides a glimpse into his passion towards his research.

Category
National Treasure
Era
Heian period (9th century)
Measurements
27.0 × 957.0 cm