Pāli, Buddhist prayer boards
18th century
Pali Manuscripts, Manuscripts and Archives Division
Buddhist prayer boards in Pāli (Burmese square script)
Buddhist scriptures, or sutras, have been recorded on palm leaves and bamboo slivers for more than 2,000 years. The Pāli Canon is the standard collection of scriptures in the Theravada Buddhist tradition, preserved in the Pāli language. The lacquered palm leaves with large script inscribed in tamarind-seed ink were often used in the ordination of Buddhist monks. These texts detail principles that monks in Burma (now Myanmar) were required to follow, as well as sutras from the Buddha for use in instruction and meditation. The text itself is read horizontally from left to right.
: Pali Manuscripts, Manuscripts and Archives Division
Currently on View at Stephen A. Schwarzman Building
The New York Public Library believes that this item is in the public domain under the laws of the United States, but did not make a determination as to its copyright status under the copyright laws of other countries. This item may not be in the public domain under the laws of other countries. Though not required, if you want to credit us as the source, please use the following statement, "From The New York Public Library," and provide a link back to the item on our Digital Collections site. Doing so helps us track how our collection is used and helps justify freely releasing even more content in the future.
