Myobeobyeonhwagyeong Gwon1

Basic information

Designation

Treasure No.1145

Category

Books & Records

Designated year

1992

Location

여주시, 경기도— 경기도 여주시 강문로 270-8 (강천면, 목아불교박물관)

Coordinates

37.298024, 127.637163

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 is the first volume of the sutra translated into Chinese by Kumarajiva of the Later Qin and was printed on mulberry paper with woodblocks. It can be folded like a folding screen. The glittering gold title is written on the indigo blue cover. It has a frontispiece illustration, portraying and summing up the contents of this sutra. The exact date of its publication is not known because the volume showing the details of the publication is gone. Nonetheless, this book is presumed to have been published around 1401 (first year of the reign of King Seongjong of the Joseon Dynasty) when Buddhist monk Sinchong published Shurangama Sutra (Sutra of the Heroic One) in compliance with King Taejo’s order, since the styles and characters of both main texts are similar.

Location