Baekjimukseo Myobeobyeonhwagyeong Gwon7

Basic information

Designation

Treasure No.1139

Category

Books & Records

Designated year

1992

Location

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

Coordinates

37.524041, 126.980350

Saddharmapundarika Sutra (Lotus Sutra) is the principal scripture of the Cheontae Order of Korean Buddhism. The main idea of the book is that the way to become a Buddha is open to everyone. Along with the Avatamsaka Sutra (Flower Garland Sutra), this sutra was a principal scripture that wielded great influence on the establishment of Buddhist thoughts in Korea. This book, written on traditional white paper, is the last one out of the sutra’s seven volumes. Measuring 139cm wide by 35.6cm long, it can be folded like a folding screen. In 1405 (5th year of the reign of King Taejong of the Joseon Dynasty), Gakji made a note on the last page, i.e., Sinun published this book to help his parents eliminate their pain, agony, and suffering and help them enter nirvana. According to the note, he also published Brahmajala Sutra (Sutra of Brahma’s Net), Vajracchedika prajnaparamita Sutra (Diamond Sutra), and Avatamsaka Sutra (Flower Garland Sutra) as well as the Saddharmapundarika Sutra at the same time. He transcribed their texts in ink and decorated the cover with deliberate and gorgeous designs, using gold and silver glitters, but the cover is now gone. Though some parts of the preface of the book are missing, it is very valuable and important in studying the transcription culture of the early Joseon Dynasty.

Location