Baegunhwasangchorokbuljojikjisimcheyojeol

Basic information

Designation

Treasure No.1132

Category

Books & Records

Designated year

1992

Location

성남시, 경기도— 경기 성남시 분당구 하오개로 323, 한국학중앙연구원 (운중동)

Coordinates

37.393030, 127.052183

Known as Jikji for short, Baegun hwasang chorok buljo jikji simche yojeol (Anthology of Great Buddhist Priests' Zen Teachings) is a collection of excerpts of sermons, dialogues, and letters by the most revered Buddhist monks. The main idea of “Jikji simche” is that genuine attainment of Nirvana is completed when people realize that the nature of a conscientious mind in humans equals the nature of Buddha. This book was published by Buddhist Monk Baegun, who added core contents to the original copy imported from the Yuan Dynasty in 1372 (21st year of the reign of King Gongmin of the Goryeo Dynasty) and made two volumes of this book. Printed on mulberry paper using woodblocks, it measures 21.4 cm long and 15.8 cm wide. According to the publication record, this book was printed by Beoprin, a disciple of Baegun, in the sixth lunar month of 1378 (fourth year of the reign of King U of the Goryeo Dynasty) at Chiamsa Temple, where Baegun died. Publication was carried out by referring to the earlier edition, which was published using metal movable types in 1377 (third year of King U’s reign) at Heungdeoksa Temple, Cheongju. The preface written by Seong Sa-dal in 1377 was included in this book without revision, with another preface written by Yi Saek added to be published in 1378. The edition printed with metal movable types at Heungdeoksa Temple was republished using woodblocks, since the printing technique of local temples was insufficient to produce enough copies to spread the book throughout the country. Another copy of this book is currently kept at the National Library of Korea, but this one has been preserved in better condition with the two prefaces intact.

Location