"Buddhism" is a major exhibition exploring the roots, philosophy and contemporary relevance of one of the world's major religions, from its beginnings in north India in the 6th century BCE, to having over 500 million followers across the world today. The exhibition opened on 25 October 2019 and will run until 23 February 2020 in London's British Library.

Sacred scriptures written on tree bark, palm leaves, gold plates, illuminated texts and silk scrolls of major sutras will demonstrate Buddhism's pivotal role in developing writing and printing techniques to transmit ideas and educate people across Asia.

Exploring the three primary schools of Buddhism –Theravada, Mahayana and Vajrayana – the British Library's largest-ever display of Buddhist items highlights the theory, practice and art of Buddhism, examines the enduring iconography of the Buddha and considers what it means to be Buddhist today.

Visitors will explore rare treasures from the Library's collection, from colourful scrolls, painted wall hangings to embellished books, highlighting the outstanding art contained within Buddhist manuscripts and early printed works.

The exhibition also features contemporary art that provides a window into everyday life in Buddhist communities in the 21st century.

Jana Igunma, the lead curator of Buddhism at the British Library, said: "Buddhism is the first show of its kind at the British Library, showcasing treasures from one of the world's richest collections of Asian manuscripts. Visitors will be able to see for themselves the range and richness of this beautiful art that spans 2,000 years of Buddhist texts such as illuminated scrolls, painted palm leaves and banner paintings."

Igunma explained that visitors "will learn about the life of the Buddha and his teachings, and discover what it means to be Buddhist today, bearing in mind the growing contemporary relevance of mindfulness, compassion and kindness." (Tianxing Bai)