Tun-Huang Tibetan Documents on a Dharmadana
By Marcelle Lalou
Summary
This article analyses a Tibetan document found at Tun-huang describing a significant dharmadana organised by King Khri-gcug-lde-brcan. The document records the king’s offering of hundreds of copies of the Amitayus sutra, donation of a stupa, and organisation of a large ceremony attended by monks and officials. It includes details such as the presence of the king’s minister Hon-ben and the layman Dban-mchog, the affixing of official seals and the distribution of manuscripts. The author examines the historical context: this dharmadana took place in the 8th or 9th century when Tibet controlled parts of Central Asia. The document reflects the spread of Mahayana Buddhism and the importance of copying sutras for merit. It also shows the integration of Chinese, Tibetan and Central Asian traditions at Tun-huang. The article discusses the ritual aspects of the dharmadana, such as the ritual of consecrating each manuscript and the role of scribes. It highlights that the donation emphasised the king’s piety and sought to accumulate merit for his realm. By comparing the document with similar Chinese records, the author interprets the event as part of Tibetan statecraft: using Buddhist rituals to legitimise rule and foster alliances with local elites. The article also notes linguistic features and scribal practices that shed light on Tibetan palaeography.
Conclusion
The article concludes that the Tun-huang document demonstrates how Tibetan kings used large-scale dharmadanas to consolidate power and spread Buddhism. The detailed record of donations and seals reveals administrative sophistication and the intersection of religious devotion and political strategy.