Daebanggwangbulhwaeomgyeongbohyeonhaengwonpumbyeolhaengso

Basic information

Designation

Treasure No.1126

Category

Books & Records

Designated year

1992

Location

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

Coordinates

37.524041, 126.980350

Avatamsaka Sutra is one of the canonical scriptures of Mahayana Buddhism; the central idea expressed in this sutra is the unity of Buddha and sentient beings. As the most fundamental text for Korean Buddhism, this sutra has had seminal influence on Korean Buddhist philosophy along with the Saddharmapundarika Sutra (Lotus Sutra). This book is the last volume of the 40-volume Avatamsaka Sutra translated by Banruo of the Tang Dynasty and was annotated by Chengguan of the Tang Dynasty. Printed on mulberry paper using woodblocks, the book measures 26.7 cm long and 15.6 cm wide. Even though it has some stains, presumably because it was excavated from a Buddhist statue, it has been preserved in good condition overall. According to a record at the end of the book, this book was republished in 1387 (13th year of the reign of King U of the Goryeo Dynasty) based on the original version, which was published to pray for the soul of Choe U in 1256 (43rd year of the reign of King Gojong of the Goryeo Dynasty). Yi Saek also wrote that the king and queen ordered Kang In-bu to publish the book with the help of two monks, Hwanam and Honsu, in order to pray for their prince, and that the wife of deceased Jeong Gong-gwon donated a woodblock-printed book as well as money to aid in the publication. As the last part of the Avatamsaka Sutra, this book includes the essential substance of the sutra; it is a popular read among many Buddhist followers.

Location