The Diamond Sutra

[Photo/ifeng.com]

In 1900, an abbot named Wang Yuanlu came to Dunhuang and discovered the sand covered stone grottoes. In March 1907, a British expedition under Sir Aurel Stein arrived at Dunhuang and visited Wang in his cave. Stein took away a large amount of precious relics, manuscripts and paintings at the cost of 130 pounds. The Diamond Sutra is one of those relics. It displays dignified style, distinct ink color and skilful carving methods. The Diamond Sutra was printed in the year 868. It is recognized as the world’s earliest printed book, made of seven strips and paper, some 16 feet long, 17½ feet long and 10½ inches wide. It used to be housed in the British Museum and now is in the British Library.