Worinseokbo Gwon13, 14

Basic information

Designation

Treasure No.745-4

Category

Books & Records

Era

조선 세조 5년(1459)

Designated year

1983

Location

서대문구, 서울특별시— 서울 서대문구 연세로 50, 중앙도서관 (신촌동,연세대학교)

Coordinates

37.565534, 126.938418

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. As Worin seokbo has not been handed down to the present in a complete set, the original number of the volumes is unknown. Volumes 13 and 14 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 measures 22.6 cm in width and 32.8 cm in length. Volume 13 is missing its first chapter and is badly damaged. Volume 14 is also missing some parts after chapter 82 and, judging from its poor state of preservation, it is assumed that the books were kept inside the pagoda, as were the other volumes of Worin seokbo. Volume 13 contains the last part of chapters 281 to 282 of Worin cheongangjigok, while volume 14 contains chapters 282 to 293.

Location