Worinseokbo Gwon9, 10

Basic information

Designation

Treasure No.745-3

Category

Books & Records

Era

조선 세조 5년(1459년)

Designated year

1983

Location

용산구, 서울특별시— 서울특별시 용산구 서빙고로 139 (용산동6가, 한글박물관)

Coordinates

37.576571, 126.974851

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 9 and 10 of Worin seokbo were bound into two books and published in 1459 (the 5th year of the reign of King Sejo) in the original print. The book is 22.5 cm wide by 30 cm long. Volume 9 of Worin seokbo is missing chapters 1 to 3, while chapters 35 and 36 were divided into three pages each (first, second, and third). Also, some parts of the book appear to have been damaged and must have been supplemented at a later date. Volume 10, consisting of chapters 1 to 122, has an incomplete end sentence, which suggests that some pages are missing. Furthermore, volume 9 contains chapters 251 to 260 of Worin cheongangjigok, while volume 10 contains chapters 261 to 271.

Location