In an increasingly secular world, one might question the relevance of illuminated, handwritten religious manuscripts. This exhibition invites you to explore the deep wisdom woven into this age-old tradition—a wisdom that opens doors to imaginative ways of incorporating spirituality into hectic daily routines.

The ancient practice of hand-copying sacred scriptures has been a cornerstone of major religious traditions since the inception of writing. This ritual has played a crucial role in preserving and sharing sacred texts. The practice, a heartfelt expression of devotion and prayer, resonates with the faithful and nonbelievers.

At the heart of this exhibition are the works of Master Kyeongho Kim, who has dedicated 50 years to the practice of hand-copying Buddhist texts. On display alongside Master Kim’s pieces are hand-written sacred texts from Yale Library’s collection, representing Judaic, Christian, and Islamic traditions. This exhibition serves as a testament to the enduring value of these works, intended to inspire others to experience the exceptional spiritual and aesthetic practice of hand-copying sacred texts.

Curated by Jude Yang, Librarian for Korean Studies, and Hwansoo Kim, Associate Professor, Department of Religious Studies