Title
Manuscript, commentary on Maha Sathipatthana Sutta
Year/Period
c. 18th century
Region
Sri Lanka
Material
painted Wood, palm leaf and lamp black
Technique
Sigiriya style of painting on cover, script carved on dry palm leaf with stylus
Dimension
Image size: L:47.6 x T:7.5 cm
Accession No.
1997-02040
Collection of
This handwritten palm leaf manuscript with painted wooden covers from Sri Lanka is a commentary on the Maha Sathipatthana Sutta which explains various techniques of meditation as expounded by Buddha at Kammasadamma in Kuru, north India. Written in Pali in Singhalese script, this sutta is on the Arousing of Mindfulness, dealing with the vipassana (insight) training method based on Buddha’s teachings. The manuscript commentaries were copied by monks who aspired to gain merit. This sutta is very well- known in countries where Theravada Buddhism is practiced especially in Southeast Asia.