Dailōtan-kyō (Volume 3): A National Treasure of Tang Dynasty Buddhist Calligraphy

Nestled within the vast treasure collection of Chion-in, the head temple of the Jōdo-shū (Pure Land) school of Buddhism in Kyoto, lies a remarkable piece of ancient Buddhist heritage: the Dailōtan-kyō, Volume 3 (大楼炭経〈巻第三〉). Designated as a National Treasure of Japan, this manuscript scroll is a rare surviving example of a Buddhist sutra copied during the Tang Dynasty in 673 CE. Commissioned by a devout patron named Su Qingjie (蘇慶節) as part of a complete Buddhist canon (一切経, Issaikyō), this work offers an extraordinary window into both Buddhist cosmological thought and the refined art of Chinese calligraphy from over 1,350 years ago.

What Is the Dailōtan-kyō?

The Dailōtan-kyō (大楼炭経), known in Chinese as the Daloutanjing, is a Buddhist cosmological text that describes the structure and formation of the universe according to early Buddhist teachings. Originally composed in Sanskrit and later translated into Chinese during the Western Jin Dynasty (西晋, 265–316 CE) by the monk-translators Fa Li (法立) and Fa Ju (法矩) around 291 CE, the sutra is closely related to the cosmological sections found in the Dīrghāgama (Long Discourses), one of the earliest collections of Buddhist scriptures.

The text describes the Buddhist vision of the cosmos centered on Mount Sumeru (須弥山), the mythological axis of the universe. It details the formation and destruction of worlds, the realms of heavenly beings, the structure of hells, and the cyclical nature of cosmic creation and dissolution. For readers interested in how ancient civilizations understood the universe, the Dailōtan-kyō provides a fascinating counterpoint to both Western and other Asian cosmological traditions.

Historical Significance and National Treasure Designation

The particular manuscript held at Chion-in is Volume 3 (巻第三) of the Dailōtan-kyō, and it bears a colophon indicating it was copied in the 4th year of the Xianheng era (咸亨四年) of the Tang Dynasty, corresponding to 673 CE. The patron, Su Qingjie (蘇慶節), commissioned the sutra as part of a devotional project to produce a complete set of the Buddhist canon—an enormously ambitious undertaking that demonstrated both profound religious piety and considerable financial resources.

This manuscript was designated as a National Treasure (国宝) by the Japanese government in recognition of several outstanding qualities. First, it is an exceptionally early example of a dated Tang Dynasty sutra manuscript, making it invaluable for the study of Chinese calligraphy, paper-making techniques, and Buddhist textual transmission during the 7th century. Second, the calligraphy itself exhibits the refined and disciplined brushwork characteristic of Tang-era scriptoria, where professional scribes produced sutras with remarkable consistency and beauty. Third, the manuscript's survival over more than thirteen centuries is itself extraordinary, testifying to the careful preservation efforts of successive custodians.

The Collection of Yōro Tessujō

The Dailōtan-kyō Volume 3 is one of three National Treasure-designated written works at Chion-in that were originally collected by Yōro Tessujō (養鸕徹定, 1814–1891), who served as the 75th head priest (門主) of the temple during the turbulent transition from the Edo period to the Meiji era. Yōro Tessujō was known as an accomplished scholar-monk with a keen eye for rare Buddhist manuscripts. The other two National Treasures from his collection include the Bosatsu Shotaikyō (菩薩処胎経), which contains portions dating to the Western Wei Dynasty (550 CE) and is considered one of the oldest surviving hand-copied sutras in the world, and the Jōgū Shōtoku Hōō Teisetsu (上宮聖徳法王帝説), the earliest known biography of Prince Shōtoku.

Together, these three manuscripts form one of the most significant collections of ancient written works in Japan, and they speak to the extraordinary scholarly tradition that has long been cultivated at Chion-in.

Visiting Chion-in Temple

While the Dailōtan-kyō manuscript is not on permanent public display—as with most fragile National Treasure manuscripts, it is kept in carefully controlled storage to ensure its preservation—Chion-in temple itself is a magnificent destination that richly rewards visitors. As the head temple of the Jōdo-shū school founded by the monk Hōnen (法然, 1133–1212), Chion-in is one of the most historically and architecturally significant temples in all of Japan.

The temple's iconic Sanmon Gate (三門), also designated as a National Treasure, is the largest wooden gate in Japan, standing 24 meters tall and 50 meters wide. Built in 1621 under the orders of Tokugawa Hidetada, the second Tokugawa shogun, the gate's upper story contains vibrantly painted murals of heavenly beings and houses important Buddhist statues. The Mieidō (御影堂), another National Treasure, is the main hall where a portrait of Hōnen is enshrined, and its vast interior can accommodate thousands of worshippers.

Chion-in is also famous for its "Seven Mysteries" (七不思議), a collection of legends associated with various features of the temple buildings, including the "Nightingale Corridor" (鶯張りの廊下) with its singing floorboards, and the "Forgotten Umbrella" (忘れ傘) tucked under the eaves of the Mieidō. The temple's gardens—the Hōjō Garden and the Yūzen-en Garden—offer tranquil spaces for contemplation amid seasonal beauty.

When the Manuscript May Be Viewed

National Treasure manuscripts such as the Dailōtan-kyō are occasionally displayed during special exhibitions at the Kyoto National Museum (京都国立博物館) or the Nara National Museum (奈良国立博物館), where many of Chion-in's most precious artworks and documents are deposited for safekeeping. Visitors interested in seeing this manuscript should check the exhibition schedules of these museums, particularly during autumn special exhibitions or events focusing on calligraphy and Buddhist art. The Kyoto National Museum is conveniently located in the Higashiyama district, just a short walk from Chion-in.

Exploring the Surrounding Area

Chion-in is situated in the heart of Kyoto's Higashiyama district, one of the city's most culturally rich neighborhoods. Within walking distance, visitors can explore a wealth of World Heritage sites and cultural landmarks.

• Maruyama Park (円山公園): Directly adjacent to Chion-in, this beloved park is famous for its weeping cherry tree and is one of Kyoto's premier cherry blossom viewing spots in spring.
• Yasaka Shrine (八坂神社): Just a few minutes' walk away, this vibrant Shinto shrine is the guardian shrine of the Gion district and the centerpiece of the famous Gion Matsuri festival.
• Kiyomizu-dera (清水寺): A UNESCO World Heritage Site roughly 20 minutes on foot through the atmospheric lanes of Higashiyama, this hilltop temple offers spectacular views of Kyoto.
• Kyoto National Museum (京都国立博物館): Located about 15 minutes' walk south, this museum houses an extraordinary collection of Japanese art and cultural properties, and is where many of Chion-in's treasures are periodically exhibited.
• Gion District (祇園): The famous geisha district lies just west of Chion-in, offering traditional tea houses, restaurants, and the chance to glimpse maiko (apprentice geisha) in their elegant attire.