Excerpt from the “Preface to the Sacred Teachings” in running-standard script

This text is an excerpt from the Sanzang shengjiao xu (Preface to the sacred teachings [translated] by Tripitaka), composed in 648 by Emperor Taizong of the Tang dynasty (reigned 626-49) for the Buddhist monk and translator Xuanzang (602-664), also known as Tripitaka.

Under Taizong's successor, a stone monument was erected bearing his preface written in standard script by the eminent court calligrapher Chu Suiliang (596-658). Chu's transcription of the preface became part of the mainstream calligraphic tradition and was frequently emulated over the centuries as an orthodox model of standard script. Although Bada asserts in his postscript that he was "copying" the style of Chu Suiliang, his use of running-standard script, instead of the traditional form of standard script established by Chu, adds a measure of idiosyncracy to his rendition. Bada wrote out this Buddhist text on several occasions, each time employing his own style of calligraphy.