Leaf from a Kalpa Sutra (Jain Book of Rituals) 15th century

This is a leaf from a Kalpa Sutra, a Jain text likely written by Bhadrabahu. Its lines of black script, punctuated by the auspicious red circles, tell tales of Jain Tirthankaras. Consider the meaning of the color red itself. Here, it marks significant divisions and perhaps emphasizes sacred words. This use of red to highlight the holy echoes across cultures. Think of the illuminated manuscripts of medieval Europe, where red rubrications similarly guide the reader. The circle, too, carries a profound weight. In Jainism, it may symbolize wholeness, completion, and the cycle of rebirth. Yet, recall its presence in countless other traditions: the sun disc of ancient Egypt, the mandalas of Tibetan Buddhism. Each iteration reflects humanity's enduring fascination with circular forms and the cosmos. Such symbols, passed down through generations, become embedded in our collective consciousness. When we see the color red or the shape of a circle, we are not merely perceiving a visual element, but also tapping into a deep well of cultural memory. These symbols have resurfaced, evolved, and taken on new meanings in different historical contexts.