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Sutra copying is the East Asian practice of hand-copying Buddhist
Sutra copying is the East Asian practice of hand-copying Buddhist sutra
''Sutra'' ( sa, सूत्र, translit=sūtra, translit-std=IAST, translation=string, thread)Monier Williams, ''Sanskrit English Dictionary'', Oxford University Press, Entry fo''sutra'' page 1241 in Indian literary traditions refers to an ap ...
s.
Purpose
Sutra copying is considered a merit in Buddhism. Other meritorious practices included the memorization and recitation of sutras. The effort of sutra copying is considered an expression of piety. It is recognized as a devotional practice, since it comprises worship, literature, and calligraphy. Since early in history, it was also not uncommon for people to sponsor monks and nuns to recite or copy sutras, thus indirectly cultivating merit in one's ancestors, family, and self by transference.History
The practice of sutra copying originated in China. Sutra copying was imported to Korea in the third century. During theNara period
The of the history of Japan covers the years from CE 710 to 794. Empress Genmei established the capital of Heijō-kyō (present-day Nara). Except for a five-year period (740–745), when the capital was briefly moved again, it remained the c ...
(710–794) in Japan, the practice of sutra copying became very popular in society.
References
{{Authority control Buddhism in China Buddhism in Japan Buddhism in Korea