Worinseokbo Gwon7, 8

Basic information

Designation

Treasure No.745-2

Category

Books & Records

Era

조선 세조 5년(1459)

Designated year

1983

Location

중구, 서울특별시— 서울특별시 중구 필동로1길 30 (장충동2가, 동국대학교도서관)

Coordinates

37.559249, 126.998549

Worin seokbo (Episodes from the Life of Sakyamuni Buddha) is a great collection of two Buddhist Sutras, namely, Worin cheongangjigok (Songs of the Moon's Reflection on a Thousand Rivers) and Seokbo sangjeol (Episodes from the Life of Sakyamuni Buddha), which was published in 1459 (the fifth year of the reign of King Sejo of the Joseon Dynasty). Seokbo means ‘Buddha’s chronology or biography.’ Seokbo sangjeol (Episodes from the Life of Sakyamuni Buddha) was translated into Korean from the Buddhist works by Grand Prince Suyang (later to become King Sejo) and published in 1446 (the 28th year of the reign of King Sejong of the Joseon Dynasty) in order to pray for the repose of Queen Soheon’s soul. In 1447, King Sejong read Seokbo sangjeol and composed a paean to its every two lines, which are collectively named Worin cheongangjigok (Songs of the Moon's Reflection on a Thousand Rivers). As Worin seokbo has not been handed down to the present in a complete set, the original number of the volumes is unknown. Volumes 7 and 8 of Worin seokbo were bound as two books and published in 1459 (the 5th year of the reign of King Sejo) in the original print. The book measures 22.2 cm wide by 32.2 cm long. Volume 7 is missing chapters 1 to 5. Also, some parts of the original book were lost, and must have been supplemented at a later date. Thus, Volume 7 contains chapters 177 to 201 of Worin cheongangjigok, while volume 8 contains chapters 202 to 250.

Location