Worinseokbo Gwon21

Basic information

Designation

Treasure No.745-6

Category

Books & Records

Era

명종 17년(1562)

Designated year

1983

Location

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

Coordinates

37.538427, 126.965444

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. This book is a reprint published at Muryanggul Cave in Suncheon, Jeolla-do in 1562 (the 17th year of the reign of King Myeongjong of Joseon). Although the book is not a first edition, it is similar to the original edition (as it is a reprint of the original text) and is the single extant copy of volume 21 of Worin seokbo, which consists of chapters 413 to 445 of Worin cheongangjigok. Two illustrations of scenes Buddha’s life – one depicting Maya’s dream prophesizing her own pregnancy, and another depicting Sakyamuni’s entry into Nirvana under twin sal trees- are reproduced at the beginning of the book.

Location