Artwork Details

Title
Illuminated Page from a Perfection of Wisdom (Prajnaparamita) Sutra Manuscript
Dimensions
7 3/8 x 26 1/2 in., 1/8 in. (18.7 x 67.3 cm, 0.3 cm)
Medium
Ink and pigments on paper
Origin
Western Tibet
Classification(s)
manuscripts
Date
12th century
Credit Line
Rubin Museum of Himalayan Art, Gift of Michael McCormick
Object number
C2012.8

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Wisdom

Concepts

The antidote to ignorance, with the highest form of wisdom being an understanding of the true nature of reality and all phenomena. In Buddhism studying the nature of interdependence and emptiness is considered an important step for attaining wisdom.

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Merit

Concepts

In Buddhism merit is accumulated through engaging in positive actions that lead to positive results, such as better rebirths. Buddhists gain merit by making offerings, donating to those in need, reciting mantras, and other good deeds.

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Ignorance

Concepts

The main cause of suffering in the endless cycle of death and rebirth known as samsara. A lack of awareness or understanding of the true nature of reality propels sentient beings to hold the wrong view and engage in harmful actions. In Buddhism wisdom is the antidote to ignorance. 

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Tibetan Regions

Region

Today, Tibetans primarily inhabit the Tibetan Plateau, situated between the Himalayan mountain range and the Indian subcontinent to the west, Chinese cultural regions to the east, and Mongolian cultural regions to the northeast. During the 7th to 9th century, Tibetan rulers expanded their empire across Central Asia, and established Buddhism as the state religion.

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