Scientists at the Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin research center in Germany have unraveled the contents of ancient Buddhist scrolls without having to open them. To do so, they used three-dimensional (3D) X-ray scans and artificial intelligence (AI) capable of virtually reconstructing the texts. The results were published in the Journal of Cultural Heritage in August.

The writings were inscribed on dharanis, small prayer scrolls that were part of portable shrines used by Mongolian nomads. Each scroll’s strip of parchment was tightly wound about 50 times and was over 80 centimeters long. The relics arrived at the Berlin Ethnological Museum in 1932 and, among the few artifacts that have survived the test of time, these scrolls remained protected in silk bags until they were finally studied.

To avoid damaging the material, the scientists used a non-invasive technique. First, they captured X-ray images of the object from different angles and then processed the data with AI to identify the ink traces. This made it possible to virtually “unfurl” the scroll and reconstruct the text without touching the paper.

The result revealed content written in Sanskrit, an ancient language, but using Tibetan characters. Among the passages identified was the famous mantra “Om mani padme hum,” which means “praise to the jewel in the lotus” and symbolizes compassion and serenity in Buddhist tradition.

A curious detail caught their attention: the ink appeared to contain metallic particles—unlike the traditional Chinese mixture of glue and soot commonly used at the time. For the researchers, this indicates that the choice of materials had symbolic and religious value.

Until recently, scrolls like these could only be studied by opening and unfurling the paper, which exposed them to irreversible damage. The method used, while not yet a replacement for traditional processes, is a promising alternative, as it allows for detailed examination of fragile documents without having to handle them.

Glossary

3D (three dimensions): when an image or object appears to have depth, as if it were “real” and not just flat.

Buddhist: related to Buddhism, a religion and philosophy that originated in India over 2,500 years ago, based on the teachings of Buddha.

X-ray: invisible light that passes through the body and other materials, allowing for a view of their internal components. It is widely used in hospitals to determine if someone has a broken arm or a health problem, for example.

Sanskrit: a very ancient language of India, used for thousands of years to write stories, poems, and sacred Buddhist texts. Today, hardly anyone uses Sanskrit, but it is studied to better understand the culture and wisdom of ancient India.

Silk: a very soft and shiny fabric made from threads produced by silkworms.

Sources: DOL and Galileu.

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