From Nan to Luang Prabang: The Buddhist Heritage of Northern Laos as Reflected in Recently Discovered Manuscript Collections
Keywords:
Nan to Luang Prabang, The Buddhist Heritage, Northern Laos, Manuscript CollectionsAbstract
Luang Prabang and Nan can look upon a glorious past as most eminent Buddhist kingdoms. During the first half of the nineteenth century both kingdom were important centres of manuscript production. Luang Prabang has remained not only the centre of Lao Buddhism but also a place where the Buddhist manuscript culture of Laos is still alive. Sathu Nyai Khamchan Virachitto (1920–2007), the venerable abbot of Vat Saen Sukharam and head of the provincial Sangha, has created impressive collections of manuscripts and other documents, including historical photographs, which now are part of the cultural heritage of Luang Prabang. The analysis of colophons in manuscripts recording religious texts show some surprising aspects, such as the high percentage of layawomen who acted as the primary supporters (mūlasaddā) sponsering the making of manuscripts. In addition, there is evidence of a royal presence among the sponsors and donors. The study of colophons helps to increase our understanding of the relationship between scribes and sponsors/donors but also among different sponsors/donors when commissioning the making of manuscripts.
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