Geumgangbanyabaramilgyeong(2004)

Basic information

Designation

Treasure No.1408

Category

Books & Records

Era

고려 충렬왕 31년(1305)

Designated year

2004

Location

청주시, 충청북도— 충북 청주시 흥덕구 직지대로 713, 청주고인쇄박물관 (운천동,청주고인쇄박물관)

Coordinates

36.644045, 127.471437

This woodblock-printed book of the Geumgangbanyabaramilgyeong (Diamond Sutra), which is more commonly known as Geumganggyeong, is translated by Kumarajiva and is inclusive of a commentary by Huineng of the Tang Dynasty of China. The central principle behind its teachings is the concept of emptiness – since all laws of the universe are spiritual, one should empty one’s mind from all attachment to the material world. Chapter 10 of the book (On Buddha’s Pure Land) teaches how one must have a pure heart and must avoid becoming deeply attached to the external world, and that one should empty one’s mind and avoid getting attached to one place. This is a famous teaching that brought enlightenment to many high monks including Hyeneung. Geumganggyeong is the main Buddhist scripture of the Korean Buddhist Jogye Order and -- together with the Banyasimgyeong (Prajina-Paramita Sutra) -- is the most widely read Buddhist scripture. As a revised edition made in 1305 (the 31st year of the reign of King Chungnyeol of Goryeo) by Monk Yukgu and Bak Ji-yo of Wonheungsa Temple in Cheongju, this book was published before Jikji (Baegun hwasang chorok buljo jikji simche yojeol), the world’s earliest surviving book printed from metal type (published in 1377 by Heungdeoksa Temple) and is a testimony to the significant role played by Cheongju City in the country’s printing history.

Location