Myobeobyeonhwagyeong Gwon3~4(1996)

Basic information

Designation

Treasure No.1240

Category

Books & Records

Era

조선 성종 1년(1470)각

Designated year

1996

Location

양산시, 경상남도— 경남 양산시 하북면 통도사로 108, 통도사 성보박물관 (지산리)

Coordinates

35.487956, 129.064387

This book is also called Beophwagyeong for short and is based on the basic thought that the path to become Buddha is open to everyone. It is the fundamental Buddhist scripture of Cheontaejong, a Buddhist Order. Along with Hwaeomgyeong (Flower Garland Sutra), it has greatly influenced the establishment of Buddhism in Korea. Published based on the translated text by Gumaraseup, who was a monk of the later Qin Dynasty of China, it was printed on mulberry paper from woodblocks. Among the original 7 volumes, two remaining volumes, 3 and 4, are bound into one book with one cover. After the death of her second son, King Yejong, Queen Jeonghui, who was Queen Consort to King Sejo, ordered the publishing of the scripture in the 1st year of the reign of King Seongjong of the Joseon Dynasty (1470) to pray for the bliss of King Yejong and King Sejo as well as her first son King Deokjong. The scripture seems to be the first print copy because the printed condition is quite good compared to that of other books (Treasure Nos. 936 and 950), which are believed to have been printed from the same woodblocks. This book is regarded as a valuable material owing to its good preservation condition and cover binding, which is quite rare among ancient Korean books.

Location