Many believe the Gutenberg Bible is the world’s oldest printed book, but that title actually belongs to The Diamond Sutra. Printed over 1,100 years ago, this Buddhist scroll is recognised as the earliest dated printed book in history. (Image-AI)
Originally written in Sanskrit, the Diamond Sutra was discovered in 1900 inside the hidden “Cave of a Thousand Buddhas” in Dunhuang, China. In 1907, explorer Marc Aurel Stein acquired the priceless manuscript during his Silk Road expedition. (Image-AFP)
The Diamond Sutra is one of Mahayana Buddhism’s most important scriptures. Presented as a dialogue between Buddha and his disciple Subhuti, it explores profound ideas such as wisdom, emptiness, enlightenment and the true nature of reality. (Image-AFP)
Unlike modern books, The Diamond Sutra is a nearly five-metre-long scroll. It was produced using woodblock printing, where entire pages were carved into wooden blocks before being inked and pressed onto paper during China’s Tang Dynasty. (Image-Booksfact)
Its title refers to wisdom that cuts through ignorance just as a diamond slices through hard materials. The teachings encourage people to look beyond illusion, understand reality and ultimately free themselves from suffering. (Image-Instagram/@smithsonianmagazine)
An inscription reveals the scroll was commissioned by Wang Chieh for free public distribution in honour of his parents. The gesture reflected a key Buddhist belief that sharing wisdom and spreading the Buddha’s teachings is a virtuous act. (Image-AI)
Today, the famous Chinese copy of The Diamond Sutra is housed at the British Library. Extensive conservation efforts, including a decade-long preservation project completed in 2013, have helped protect this extraordinary piece of printing history. (Image-Youtube/@International Dunhuang Programme)
