Mahaparinirvana Sutra - Chapter on the Buddha Nature

CHINA; Northern Dynasties

This scroll is among the finest examples of Dunhuang manuscripts that date from the Northern Dynasties (386–581). The “Chapter on the Buddha Nature” is from the Fascicle 6 of the Mahaparinirvana Sutra. Both the front and end pieces of the scroll are missing, and only 198 lines of text guided by black ink column lines remain. The scroll uses the northern version of the Mahaparinirvana Sutra, which refers to the Dharma body of the Buddha as persisting in the human world despite the passing away of the Buddha. Other key teachings include the innate Buddha nature in all sentient beings, and the potential of all beings to achieve enlightenment.
The calligraphy is composed of characters that are wide and short in proportions with clean executions. Most of the strokes begin with sharp tip landings, indicating the text was written with substantial haste. The left-falling “pie” strokes terminate with upswept gestures, while the right-falling “na” strokes are pressed heavily and finish with a breaking wave stroke. A sense of openness and agility is observed in the writing style. The apparent clerical script influence seen in the manner with which the strokes were written suggests that the work was created during a transitional period from clerical into regular script.