・年代：平安時代後期（12世紀）
・法量：縦26.1㎝ 横779.9㎝
The Vajrasamadhi Sutra, Scroll 1, Written in Gold Characters on Dark Blue Paper (Jingoji Sutra)
Period: Late Heian period (12th century)
Dimensions: Height 26.1 cm, Width 779.9 cm
鳥羽天皇（1103～1156年）が発願して制作された一切経で、後白河法皇（1127～1192）が神護寺に奉納、長くこの寺に伝えられたことから神護寺経と呼ばれる経典。巻首内題下に「神護寺経」の朱印が押されています。主要な経典や仏教書を集成したものを一切経と言い、平安時代には一切経を紺紙金字経で揃える例が盛行しますが、本経はその代表的な作例で、もとは5400巻あったと考えられますが、現在、神護寺に2317巻が現存、重要文化財に指定されているほか、多くが寺外に流出し、各地の美術館・博物館、寺院、個人に分蔵されています。紺紙に金字で書写された経文は、夜空に輝く星のように美しく魅力的です。また、表紙見返しには、釈尊の浄土とされる鷲の姿をした霊鷲山を背景に坐す釈迦如来の説法を、二人の仏弟子と菩薩が聴聞する場面が金泥・銀泥を用いて描かれています。
The "Jingoji Sutra" is a complete collection of sutras initiated by Emperor Toba (1103-1156) and dedicated to Jingoji Temple by Emperor Go-Shirakawa (1127-1192). It is called the "Jingoji Sutra" because it was long transmitted at this temple. A red seal with the inscription "Jingoji Sutra" is stamped below the title at the beginning of the scroll. A complete collection of major sutras and Buddhist scriptures is known as an Issaikyo, and during the Heian period, it was popular to compile these collections using gold ink on dark blue paper. This sutra is a representative example of such works. Originally thought to consist of 5,400 volumes, 2,317 volumes are currently preserved at Jingoji Temple and designated as Important Cultural Properties. Many volumes have been dispersed outside the temple and are now held in various museums, temples, and private collections.
The sutra text, written in gold ink on dark blue paper, is as beautiful and captivating as stars shining in the night sky. Additionally, the frontispiece depicts Shakyamuni Buddha preaching at Vulture Peak, with two disciples and bodhisattvas listening attentively, using gold and silver mud.