Ullambana Sutra - Maudgalyayana Saving His Mother

CHINA; Northern Song dynasty

Yang Yuanshou wrote this sutra in 977 during the Northern Song dynasty (960–1127) It narrates the story of the Buddha’s disciple, Maudgalyayana, who saved his mother from her sufferings in the lower realm of the hungry ghosts, a story from the Ullambana Sutra. Maudgalyayana, unable to bear witness to his mother’s plight, consulted the Buddha who advised him to offer food to the sangha on the 15th day of the 7th month. This meritorious event would culminate towards the release of his mother from the lower realm. Yang resolved to transcribe this sutra in order to inspire and advise readers against unwholesome acts that result in rebirth to the three lower realms of animals, hungry ghosts, and hell beings.
The calligraphy is rudimentary with basic brushwork and a general consistency in layout. There are telltale signs that the calligrapher made his best to correct any imperfections. These shortcomings, however, shed light on the sincere resolve of the calligrapher.