Palm-leaf scripture experts seek to master restoration

For centuries, palm-leaf scriptures, known as beiyejing in Mandarin, have passed down the wisdom and philosophy of Tibetan Buddhism from one generation to the next.

These sutras in the written word or engraved form on pattra leaves, compose a precious legacy that are housed in the Potala Palace in Lhasa, capital of the Xizang autonomous region. According to the Protection Research Center of the Palm-Leaf-Scriptures of Potala Palace, the content of the palm-leaf works mainly consist of Buddhist scriptures.

The precious ancient literature is also among the top-class protected cultural relics in China that currently has the largest existing collection of palm-leaf manuscripts in the world.