Chojobon Daebanggwangbulhwaeomgyeong Jubon Gwon67, 77

Basic information

Designation

Treasure No.1205

Category

Books & Records

Designated year

1994

Location

연수구, 인천광역시— 인천 연수구 청량로102번길 40-9, 가천박물관 (옥련동,가천박물관)

Coordinates

37.419804, 126.656718

Daebanggwangbul hwaeomgyeong is also called Hwaeomgyeong (Avatamsaka Sutra) for short. Based on the basic ideology asserting that Buddha and all creatures are one rather than two separate entities, it is a fundamental sutra of Hwaeom Order; it greatly influenced the establishment of Korean Buddhism along with Beophwagyeong (Lotus Sutra). It is an early wooden Tripitaka made during the reign of King Hyeonjong of the Goryeo Dynasty by engraving the 80 volumes of Avatamsaka Sutra of Zhou version, which were translated by Silchananta of the Tang Dynasty, on wood blocks. Volumes 67 and 77 are printed on mulberry paper. The printed papers are pasted successively into a long paper so that they can be rolled into one scroll. Both volumes do not have the cover and part of the first page and the main text. The “New Translation” mark under the title shows that this book is the Zhou version. The content of the book describes the process wherein Sudhana seeks enlightenment while visiting 53 great monks. The First Tripitaka Koreana is Korea’s first Tripitaka engraved to prevent invasions from the Khitan. The style of calligraphy looks stronger and more vigorous compared to that of the Tripitaka Koreana at Haeinsa Temple. The engravings are intricate, with each line consisting of 14 letters unlike Haeinsa Temple’s Tripitaka, which has 17 letters per line. Based on the quality of paper and state of printing, this book seems to have been published in the 11th century.

Location