This text reveals the collaboration of the Buddhist and secular authorities in trying to combat the threat of plague. It is a letter from the secular ruler of Dunhuang, Zhang Chengfeng, dated 902, to the Buddhist Bishop of Hexi alerting him to the presence of plague and asking for religious rites. The governor has added three impressions of his official seal and a signature. The Bishop's reply promises a continuous service of confession and prayer and a nightly recitation of Fomingjing (see cat. nos. 234 & 235). The bishop also adds three impressions of his own, smaller, seal.
Ink on paper
The British Library,
Or.8210/S.1604