Rules for Observing the Bodhisattva Precepts - Fascicle 1

CHINA; Southern Liang dynasty

According to inscriptions at the end of the scroll, this piece was written by Dai Mengtong in 519 during the Southern Liang dynasty (502–557). The Bodhisattva Precepts Ceremony was popular during the Liang and Chen (557–589) dynasties.
Emperor Wu (reigned 502–549) of the Liang dynasty took the Bodhisattva vows under monk Huiyue during the fourth month of 519. A month later, he passed an order for the text, Rules for Observing the Bodhisattva Precepts, to be written. His decree is probably related to this scroll as implied by characters at the end which read, “written by imperial order.” The scroll details the rules and precepts observed by ordained renunciates who have taken the Bodhisattva vows.
The calligraphy is composed in well-written brushstrokes, and characters are squarely configured without excessive adornment. Despite a number of characters that appear scattered in disposition, the work is of considerable quality and offers a sense of visual composure.