Seokbo sangjeol (Episodes from the Life of Sakyamuni Buddha), Volume 11

Basic information

Designation

Treasure No.523-3

Category

Books & Records

Era

조선 선조 이전

Designated year

1970

Location

용산구, 서울특별시— 서울특별시 용산구 서빙고로 137 (용산동6가, 국립중앙박물관)

Coordinates

37.538427, 126.965444

King Sejong ordered Prince Suyang (King Sejo later) to write about the Buddha’s family and life to pay tribute to Queen Soheon after she died in 1446 (the 28th year of the reign of King Sejong). Aided by Kim Su-on, the prince completed this historical document, which was translated into Korean, to be called the Episodes from the Life of Sakyamuni Buddha. Volume 11 is a reprint of the previous printed book; the previous edition was copied on woodblocks to be published again. In 1495 (the first year of the reign of King Yeonsangun), King Yeonsangun published various Buddhist books using his own money to pay tribute to King Seonjong who had passed away. The postscripts of monk Hakdo, which appear in Seonjong Yeonggajip (Essence of Seon Buddhism) and Banya simgyeong eonhae (Heart Sutra translated into Korean), say that 20 volumes of the Episodes of the Life of Sakyamuni Buddha are among these books. Thus, this volume may have been published during the first year of the reign of King Yeonsangun. Considering the volume’s rough engraving, numerous donors’ names in the margin, and poor paper quality, however, it is difficult to conclude that it was published during the reign of King Yeonsangun. It is presumed to be printed at a temple later. Its photographic edition was published in 1959 by the Daegu Language and Literature Society.

Location