古代建塔常伴隨塔銘，記錄建塔時間、緣由、人物事蹟或特殊事件。祖師塔多由門人弟子甚至後世敬仰者建造，塔銘揭示祖師姓名、籍貫、生平，更強調法脈傳承與修行事蹟。同時，許多塔銘行文優美，兼具歷史和文學價值。經幢以刻寫經文、陀羅尼為主，祈願透過經咒消災資福，令亡者能夠生往善處。幢記往往較簡略，著重記錄建幢時、地、供養人等訊息。透過塔銘、幢記，可以一窺當時的社會文化與古代高僧大德的行誼，見證弟子、親眷對先人的無盡追思。同時，許多塔銘和幢記的書法獨具風格，甚至出自書法名家之手，也成為珍貴的藝術遺產。 

Engraved in Time: 

Life Narratives Etched upon Pagodas and Pillars

     In ancient times, the construction of pagodas was often accompanied by pagoda inscriptions (tamíng), which documented the date, purpose, notable figures, or significant events associated with the monument. Patriarch pagodas, typically erected by disciples or later devotees, feature inscriptions that record the master’s name, birthplace, and life story—with particular emphasis on spiritual lineage and religious accomplishments. Many of these inscriptions are also celebrated for their literary elegance, offering historical and artistic value. Dharani pillars, primarily engraved with sutras and mantras, were erected to invoke blessings, dispel misfortunes, and guide the deceased toward favorable rebirths. Pillar inscriptions are typically more succinct, focusing on practical details such as the date of erection, location, and names of donors. Together, pagoda and pillar inscriptions provide a window into the social and religious culture of their time, preserving the legacies of eminent monastics and the enduring devotion of disciples and family members. Moreover, the calligraphy of these inscriptions—often executed in distinctive styles or by renowned masters—stands as a treasured artistic heritage in its own right. 

　　經幢是一種起源於唐代的佛教建築，因《佛頂尊勝陀羅尼經》的傳譯而出現。此經講述善住天子誦持陀羅尼避免了地獄等惡報，增福延壽，並提到可將經文置於高樓、高幢上，使路人同得福蔭。唐代宗特別詔令天下僧尼作為日課，更推動信仰流傳。由於此陀羅尼免除地獄難之功能，經幢常建於墓地以超度亡者。此外也有為國泰民安、報恩、資福、銘德等目的，建於寺院或路旁。唐代主要刻《佛頂尊勝陀羅尼經》，宋、遼、金以後內容變化，只保留《佛頂尊勝陀羅尼》而不刻全經，或加入啟請文及其他消災增福之經咒。 

The Vow for Auspicious Abiding: 

Dharani Pillars and the Uṣṇīṣa-vijaya-dhāraṇī Sūtra 

    Dharani pillars, a distinctive form of Buddhist architecture originating in the Tang Dynasty, emerged following the translation of the Uṣṇīṣa-vijaya-dhāraṇī Sūtra (Sutra of the Victorious Buddha-Crown Dharani). This scripture recounts how the deva Supratiṣṭhita, through recitation of the dharani, averted rebirth in the hell realms, accumulated merit, and prolonged his lifespan. It further prescribes the inscription of the text on tall structures or pillars, enabling bystanders to receive blessings. Emperor Daizong of Tang officially decreed its daily recitation by monastics, significantly propagating this devotion. Given the dharani’s power to deliver beings from hellish suffering, these pillars were frequently erected in cemeteries for posthumous liberation. Others were constructed beside temples or along roadways to invoke national prosperity, express gratitude, dedicate merit, or commemorate virtue. While Tang-dynasty pillars typically featured the complete Uṣṇīṣa-vijaya-dhāraṇī Sūtra, subsequent examples from the Song, Liao, and Jin dynasties often retained only the core dharani, occasionally accompanied by invocation texts or additional apotropaic mantras.