Sutra copying was always done with sincerity and devotion. Its aim is to bring calm and stillness to the readers' minds, enabling them to connect with the Buddhist teachings. During the period between the Northern dynasties and the Tang (4th-9th century), the style of sutra calligraphy became more broad and diverse as it merged with the current calligraphic features. Since the advancement of woodblock printing in the Song dynasty, sutra copying had become less popular than it was in the Tang period. This sutra scroll, written by Song Dharma master Fa Hui, retains the swift and rich brushworks of the Tang style composition. However, its compact layout and densely set characters also reflect the style of Song calligraphy. The head of the scroll is stamped with the collector's seal, Zhou Tianqiu Gongxia of the Ming dynasty.