The Diamond Sutra: The World’s Oldest Known Dated Printed Book

Overview

The Diamond Sutra, known as “Jingang Jing” in Chinese, holds the distinction of being the world’s oldest known dated printed book. It was produced on May 11, 868, during the Tang Dynasty in China. This remarkable artifact is a testament to the advanced printing techniques developed in ancient China and the cultural significance of Buddhist texts during this period.

Historical Context

The Tang Dynasty

• Timeframe: The Tang Dynasty (618–907 AD) is often regarded as a golden age in Chinese history, marked by significant advancements in culture, technology, and trade.
• Cultural Flourishing: Buddhism was a major influence during the Tang Dynasty, with many texts being translated and disseminated across Asia.

Printing Technology

• Woodblock Printing: The Diamond Sutra was produced using woodblock printing, a technique that involved carving text and images onto wooden blocks, inking them, and pressing them onto paper.
• Innovation: This method allowed for the mass production of texts, significantly contributing to the spread of knowledge and literacy.

The Diamond Sutra

Content

• Buddhist Scripture: The Diamond Sutra is a Mahayana Buddhist text, part of the Prajnaparamita (Perfection of Wisdom) literature. It is a discourse between the Buddha and his disciple Subhuti, focusing on the nature of perception and the concept of emptiness.
• Title Significance: The name “Diamond Sutra” suggests that the teachings are as indestructible and cutting as a diamond.

Physical Description

• Format: The book is a scroll measuring about 5 meters (16 feet) in length.
• Illustrations: It includes an intricate frontispiece depicting the Buddha teaching, which is one of the earliest known examples of a printed illustration.

Discovery and Preservation

• Dunhuang Caves: The Diamond Sutra was discovered in 1900 in the Mogao Caves near Dunhuang, China, a significant site on the Silk Road known for its rich collection of Buddhist art and manuscripts.
• Sir Aurel Stein: The British-Hungarian archaeologist Sir Aurel Stein acquired the sutra during his expedition in 1907, and it is now housed in the British Library in London.

Historical Significance

• Cultural Impact: The Diamond Sutra exemplifies the early use of printing technology, which would later revolutionize the dissemination of information worldwide.
• Buddhist Influence: The text underscores the importance of Buddhism in shaping the cultural and spiritual landscape of East Asia.

Conclusion

The Diamond Sutra is not only a religious and philosophical text but also a milestone in the history of printing. Its production in 868 AD marks a significant achievement in human history, reflecting the ingenuity and cultural richness of the Tang Dynasty. As the oldest known dated printed book, it continues to be a subject of study and admiration for historians, scholars, and Buddhists alike.