Material: Fabric, Cotton, Embroidery, Sewn

Size: 72 x 72 cm

Description: Tibetan Buddhist "Scripture Wrapping Cloth" (Tibetan: གཡུང་དྲུན། gyung drön, also known as "Scripture Cloth," "Palm Leaf Scripture Wrapping Cloth," or "Tibetan Scripture Bag")

Scripture wrapping cloth is a beautiful fabric used in Tibetan Buddhism specifically to wrap and protect scriptures (especially palm leaf scriptures, the Tibetan Buddhist canon, and the Kanjur and Tenjur). It not only has a practical function but is also considered a symbol of offering and respect to the Three Jewels (Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha), and is extremely common in monasteries, among monks, and in the homes of Tibetan lay practitioners.

Origin and History

1. **Originating in India and Nepal**

The earliest concept of scripture wrapping cloth comes from ancient Indian Buddhist traditions. In India, scriptures were written on palm leaves (palm leaves). Due to the humid and hot climate, palm leaves were prone to mold and damage. Therefore, the palm leaves were wrapped in bundles of fine cotton or silk cloth, then completely covered with two larger pieces of cloth and tied with ribbons. This was the earliest form of "scripture wrapping cloth."

2. **Evolution after its introduction to Tibet (8th-9th centuries onwards)**

When Buddhism was introduced to Tibet, Tibetans retained the Indian custom of wrapping palm leaves. However, because of the dry and cold climate of the Tibetan Plateau, and the later widespread use of Tibetan paper instead of palm leaves, the materials and styles of scripture wrapping cloths became localized, becoming thicker, more ornate, and incorporating rich Tibetan weaving techniques.

3. **The most magnificent period of development: After the 17th century**

During the Qing Dynasty and with the rise of the Gelug school, especially during the reigns of the Fifth and Thirteenth Dalai Lamas, gold and silver threads, silk, and brocade were widely used to weave scripture wrapping cloths, which became important offerings for Buddhist teachings by monasteries and nobles. The Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, and Kumbum Monastery still preserve many precious Tibetan Buddhist scripture wrapping cloths bestowed by the Qing Dynasty.

Structure and Style of Scripture Wrapping Cloths

A typical Tibetan Buddhist scripture wrapping cloth consists of the following parts:

- **Innermost Layer**: A long, thin strip of yellow or red silk, called a "scripture ribbon" (དར་དཔྱད། dar chö), used to securely bind a stack of scriptures.

- **Middle Layer**: Two stiff, thick pieces of cloth or silk (usually yellow), used to sandwich the scriptures and protect the cover, called "scripture boards" or "clamping boards".

- **Outermost Layer**: A large rectangular piece of ornate brocade (approximately 120–180cm × 70–90cm), which is what we commonly refer to as the "scripture wrapping cloth".

Common Colors and Patterns:

- Main Colors: Yellow (representing the Gelug school, most common), Red (Nyingma, Sakya), Blue (Kagyu)

- Common Patterns: Eight Auspicious Symbols, Seven Treasures, Lotus, Dragon, Swastika, Vase, Auspicious Beasts, etc.

- Advanced practitioners may use gold thread to weave three-dimensional "Golden Dragons," "Golden Phoenixes," or entire mandalas.

Correct Usage (Traditional Ritual): Tibetan Buddhism has very strict rules for wrapping scriptures; it cannot be done haphazardly, otherwise it is considered disrespectful. The standard steps are as follows:

1. **Wash Hands and Burn Incense**: Wash hands before wrapping the scriptures. If possible, burn Tibetan incense to symbolize purification.

2. **Scripture Orientation:** The opening of the scripture (the cut side) must face the "head" of the wrapping cloth (the end with the embroidered pattern, usually the top).

3. **Binding with Ribbon:** Use a thin, long yellow or red ribbon to bind the entire stack of scriptures horizontally twice. The knot should be tied on the left side of the scripture (the right side from your perspective), and the knot should be a "lucky knot."

4. **Insert Two Stiff Boards:** Place a stiff yellow silk board on top and bottom to protect the scripture cover.

5. **Lay Out the Wrapping Cloth:**

- Lay the wrapping cloth flat with the embroidered side facing down.

- Place the scripture in the upper center.

6. **Wrap in Sequence (the most standard "five-fold method"):**

- First fold the bottom edge (the side closest to you) to cover the bottom of the scripture.

- Then fold the left side over.

- Then fold the right side over (the right side should be on top of the left).

- Finally, fold the top edge (head) down to cover the entire bundle of scriptures.

- At this point, the most exquisite embroidery is on the outermost side.

7. **Tied Straps**:

Most prayer wrapping cloths have two long straps sewn on both sides (some have four), which wrap around from the right to the front, then back from the left, tying a lucky knot in the center. Some high-end prayer wrapping cloths also have a jade or silver "buckle" (Tibetan: གདན་རྡོ། den do).

8. **Placement Direction**:

Wrapped scriptures should always be placed in a high, clean place, with the cut side facing the shrine or the direction of one's seat (i.e., the "head" facing the Buddha image). Scriptures should never be placed head-out or upside down.

Modern Simplified Use: Nowadays, most Tibetan families or young lamas simply roll the scriptures horizontally with a piece of yellow silk or cloth printed with the Eight Auspicious Symbols and tie it with a ribbon. However, in formal monasteries, Dharma assemblies, and when presenting scriptures to a guru, the traditional, elaborate wrapping method is still essential.

In short, wrapping scriptures in Tibetan Buddhism is not only a tool for protecting scriptures but also a beautiful ritual for Tibetans to express their reverence for the Buddha's teachings. The more exquisite the wrapping, the more sincere the donor's intention; therefore, it remains one of the most popular offerings among Tibetans.