Unveiling the Silk Road's Mystical Tapestry: A Multidimensional Exploration of Sogdian Dharani Manuscripts in Dunhuang and Turfan

A groundbreaking analysis of Sogdian dhāraṇī manuscripts from Dunhuang and Turfan reveals the intricate transmission and evolution of Buddhist mystical incantations along the Silk Road. By reconstructing original Sanskrit syllables and analyzing phonetic variations, researchers uncovered how regional accents and transcription practices shaped these texts. Comparative linguistic studies with parallel Chinese, Sanskrit, and Tibetan dhāraṇīs demonstrated their interconnectedness, shedding light on the cultural exchange mechanisms of this understudied genre. The findings challenge long-held assumptions about the scarcity of Sogdian Buddhist materials, providing a phonological framework to understand Silk Road languages' sound systems.

Ni, N. (2026). Unveiling the Silk Road's Mystical Tapestry: A Multidimensional Exploration of Sogdian Dhāraṇī Manuscripts in Dunhuang and Turfan [SOAS University of London]. https://doi.org/10.25501/SOAS.1067306