…A Buddha-rūpa to be precise.
The following can be found in the Saddhammasaṅgaha:
"1 Each letter (in the Piṭakas) should be
considered as equal to a Buddha-representation.¹Therefore, a wise man should write down the three Piṭakas.
2 If the three Piṭakas last, the Sambuddhas
to the extent of eighty-four thousand will also last.3 Each letter in the Buddha’s teaching
(contained) in the Scriptures should be considered
as having merit equal to a Buddha-representation.4 Therefore a wise man, who wishes for the
threefold wealth, should write it down, or cause
it to be written down in a book, or in a memorial
in honour of the Dhamma.5 He who writes down the Dhamma, known
as the three Piṭakas, fulfils the ten items of
meritorious deeds and the threefold right conduct.6 He also fulfils thoroughly the Good Norm
in three ways, namely, in knowledge, in practice,
and in realisation of the teaching.7 Each letter in the teaching of the Lord
of the world should be considered as having merit
equal to a Buddha-representation.8 Therefore a wise man who wishes for the
threefold wealth, should write down a letter of the
three Piṭakas, or cause it to be written down.9 All the three Piṭakas comprise four
hundred crore and seventy-two letters.10 Those who write down the Piṭakas, do
like the making of four hundred crore and seventy-
two images (of the Buddha).The advantage of writing the three Piṭakas
should be related by quoting here the advantage…— Bimala Churn Law, trans., *A Manual of Buddhist Historical Traditions (Saddhamma-Saṅgaha)*p. 95
The text goes on praising the merits of writing the teachings down, or causing them to be written (starting on page 95).
Thank you to @RobertK for posting a link to this text last week. It’s been very impactful.
R