The Buddhist Manuscripts at Gilgit
By Nalinaksha Dutt
Summary
Following up on a previous note, this paper continues the description of a Sanskrit Buddhist manuscript discovered at Gilgit. The manuscript, written on birch bark, is part of the Sarvatathāgata‑samāyoga‑saṃdhyānāvavastu and had been restored into Sanskrit from Tibetan fragments. The article translates the surviving leaves, which narrate the story of a Bodhisattva residing on Mount Potalaka (Avalokiteśvara) who enters samādhi and performs wondrous feats. In his vision, light fills countless worlds; the blind see, the deaf hear, and the infirm are healed. As hosts of Bodhisattvas assemble, Avalokiteśvara grants predictions of future Buddhahood and delivers discourses on compassion. The article provides a running summary of the text and notes parallels with other Mahāyāna sūtras such as the Karandavyūha and the Gaṇḍavyūha. It comments on imagery like jewelled thrones, cosmic mountains and Bodhisattvas possessing eight spiritual attainments. The author emphasises that the manuscript sheds light on the devotional cult of Avalokiteśvara in north‑western India and on the transmission of Mahāyāna texts to Tibet. The paper concludes with remarks on the need for critical editions of the Gilgit manuscripts and appeals for their preservation.
Conclusion
The Gilgit manuscript translated here offers a vivid glimpse into Mahāyāna narrative literature, illustrating how Avalokiteśvara’s compassion was depicted in miracle stories and predictions. Its study enriches our understanding of Buddhist devotionalism and highlights the importance of preserving fragile manuscript collections.