Foreword

 

“Transcribing Wisdom: Jao Tsung-I’s Heart Sutra Calligraphy and the ‘Wisdom Path’” is jointly presented by the Jao Tsung-I Petite Ecole of The University of Hong Kong and the Sun Museum.  Marking the twentieth anniversary of the “Wisdom Path,” this exhibition aims to introduce, from a unique perspective, the eminent sinologist Professor Jao Tsung-I (1917–2018), his Heart Sutra calligraphy, and its connection to the iconic Hong Kong landmark, the “Wisdom Path.”

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Situated at the foot of Lantau Peak, the “Wisdom Path,” built in 2005, is an outdoor large-scale wood inscription installation comprising thirty-eight timbers arranged in the shape of the infinity symbol, “∞”. Of these timbers, thirty-seven are carved with Prof. Jao Tsung-I’s large-character Heart Sutra calligraphy, rendered in its original size. The column located at the highest point of the hill is left blank to evoke the concept of “emptiness” or “boundlessness”, central to the Heart Sutra’s teachings. Over the past two decades, the “Wisdom Path” has drawn countless visitors across the globe and has frequent appearances in popular culture, establishing itself as a distinctive cultural landmark of Hong Kong. 

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Prof. Jao Tsung-I, a preeminent sinologist accomplished in Buddhist and Indian studies, as well as a widely respected calligrapher and painter, was fond of copying the Heart Sutra. This exhibition showcases a choice selection of Jao’s Heart Sutra calligraphy in various scripts, drawn from both museum and private collections, including the original calligraphy for the “Wisdom Path” held at the University Museum and Art Gallery of The University of Hong Kong. Jao’s paintings pertaining to the theme are also featured. Through this selection, the exhibition invites visitors to explore the creativity and diversity in Jao’s art centred on the Heart Sutra, while highlighting the rich cultural context and artistic significance of the “Wisdom Path”. 

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The Heart Sutra, in its Chinese translation by Monk Xuanzang, consists of a mere 260 characters. Yet it articulates two core teachings of the Prajnaparamita Sutra, a classic of Mahayana Buddhism: that all things arise in dependence upon other things, and the fundamental boundlessness or emptiness of all phenomena. Among the most commonly recited phrases in the Heart Sutra is “Form is boundlessness, boundlessness is form”. Prof. Jao elucidates it as follows: “Form refers to things with material appearance, whereas boundlessness refers to the in-between of things that does not take a form or shape. Everything is in a state of flux—transitioning from nothing to something and from something back to nothing. These are just processes. When one understands that change is a constant, it becomes clear that attachment to form is futile. Without such attachment, suffering ceases to take root in one’s heart.” Thus, Heart Sutra is not only imbued with profound philosophical meaning but also offers practical wisdom for one to endure life. In 2001, it was the challenging period following the Asia financial crises that prompted Prof. Jao to create the large-character Heart Sutra calligraphy later used in the carving of the “Wisdom Path”, with the hope of guiding the public towards the Sutra’s teachings and finding their inner peace. Following Prof. Jao’s initial vision, we hope this exhibition will help visitors find inspiration by bringing forth an experience of “the true, the kind and the beautiful”. 

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Besides the collections from the two museums, we extend our profound gratitude to the other six collections that generously loaned their valuable works. Their support has been essential to the success of this exhibition. In line with Professor Jao’s vision of cultural transmission and the promotion of art, we have invited young local sound artist AK Kan Hei-chun to create a Lantau Island soundscape for the exhibition, and young calligrapher William Ho to incorporate his Heart Sutra works into the design of the souvenirs, thereby adding a touch of contemporary artistry to the event. 

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Given the expansive dimensions of several exceptional works, the exhibition is divided into two phases to ensure a comprehensive presentation of their full scope. The first phase will be held from 4 October to 14 December 2025, and the second from 16 December 2025 to 1 March 2026.