Transcription of Saddharmapundarika Sutra (The Lotus Sutra) in Ink on White Paper, Volumes 1 and 3

Basic information

Designation

Treasure No.315

Category

Books & Records

Era

고려 창왕 1년(1389)

Designated year

1963

Location

경주시, 경상북도— 경북 경주시 일정로 186, 국립경주박물관 (인왕동,국립경주박물관)

Coordinates

35.829387, 129.227912

Myobeopyeonhwagyeong (Saddharmapundarika Sutra), called Beophwagyeong for short, has the basic idea that everyone can be Buddha. Together with Hwaeomgyeong (Avatamsaka Sutra), Myobeopyeonhwagyeong had a vast influence on the establishment of Korean Buddhism as the fundamental sutra of Cheontae Order. The book was written with Chinese ink directly on white paper, and volumes 1 and 3 among seven volumes remain. It is foldable, and in the light of the different size and penmanship in the two volumes, it seems they were made over a long period and by many different people. The cover of each volume has its title and a gold flower painting. The start of volume 3 has a drawing in gold, summarizing the contents, and at the end, it is written that it was made by Myou in 1389, the first year of the reign of King Chang of Goryeo in order to pray for the bliss of her deceased parents and of all people. This is evidence that sutra was made for purposes of personal charity.

Location