Transcription of Saddharmapundarika Sutra (The Lotus Sutra) in Silver on Indigo Paper

Basic information

Designation

National Treasure No.234

Category

Books & Records

Era

고려 충숙왕 17년(1330)

Designated year

1986

Location

용산구, 서울특별시— 서울특별시 용산구 서빙고로 137 (용산동6가, 국립중앙박물관)

Coordinates

37.538427, 126.965444

The Sutra of Law and Lotus is also called by its shortened name the Lotus Sutra. The main idea of the book is that the way to become a Buddha is open to everybody. This is the principal scripture of the T'ien-t'ai Sect, a Buddhist sect that, along with the Avatamsaka Sect, influenced most greatly on the establishment of Buddhist philosophy in Korea. This book consists of seven scriptures originally translated by Kumārajiva of the Late Chin and carefully hand-copied by Yi Sin-gi in 1330 (the 17th year of King Chungsuk of Goryeo). Each piece is made in the form of a folding screen 61cm long and 28.3㎝ wide. The title on the cover is written in gold and surrounded by four magnificent flowers in gold and silver. The text is copied in silver on dark blue papers. Although the book is damaged in several places, it is preserved in a good condition overall. The story described at the end of Book No. 7 tells that Yi Sin-gi made the book with a prayer for the longevity of his own father and the souls of his deceased mother. Compared to other hand-copied versions of the Lotus Sutra, this one is made in a relatively earlier period. More importantly, this book contains a complete set of all seven scriptures. Therefore, it is considered as an important piece of materials for study.

Location