Contrary to popular belief, the world's oldest book is not the Gutenberg Bible but the Diamond Sutra, a Buddhist text.

The Diamond Sutra, also known as the 'Vajracchedika Prajnaparamita Sutra,' is a historic, religious, and culturally significant masterpiece.

Discovered in Dunhuang, China, in 1900, this ancient Buddhist text was concealed within The Cave of a Thousand Buddhas.

Archaeologist Marc Aurel Stein's expedition led to the retrieval of the Diamond Sutra and thousands of other documents in 1907.

The Diamond Sutra plays a pivotal role in Mahayana Buddhism, focusing on wisdom and genuine perception of reality.

This 5-meter scroll is printed using a woodblock technique, showcasing historical advancements in book production during the Tang Dynasty.

Within its concise 6,000 words, the Diamond Sutra presents dialogues between Buddha and his disciple Subhuti, exploring profound Buddhist doctrines.

An inscription in the sutra reflects the core Buddhist philosophy of universal free distribution, spreading wisdom far and wide.

The term diamond in the Diamond Sutra symbolises wisdom's ability to cut through ignorance, guiding towards enlightenment.

The Diamond Sutra's significance transcends borders, preserved and celebrated by the British Library since 2013.