Daebanggwangbulhwaeomgyeongso Gwon28~30, Gwon100~102

Basic information

Designation

Treasure No.892

Category

Books & Records

Designated year

1986

Location

서대문구, 서울특별시— 서울특별시 서대문구 충정로9길 10-10 (충정로2가) (재)현담문고

Coordinates

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The Commentary on the Avatamsaka Sutra (Flower Garland Sutra), one of the canonical scriptures of Mahayana Buddhism, has annotations by Cheng Deng of the Tang Dynasty and comments by Jing Yuan of the Song Dynasty. The central idea expressed in this sutra is the unity of Buddha and sentient beings. As the most fundamental text for Korean Huayan Buddhism, this sutra has had seminal influence on Korean Buddhist philosophy along with the Saddharmapundarika Sutra (Lotus Sutra). This text is the 42nd of a total of 120 volumes printed with woodblocks sent by author Jing Yuan to Goryeo monk Uicheon in 1087 (fourth year of the reign of King Seonjong of the Goryeo Dynasty). Volumes 28-30 are 32.2cm long and 18.3cm wide, and Volumes 100-102, 34.7cm long and 18.6cm wide. With the intention of printing it in a scroll, the original woodblocks were engraved with 20 lines but were divided into two; every 10 lines were printed on mulberry paper. It was tied up and covered by a thick piece of paper to form a book. The title is written on the cover in gold, and the edge of the book was cut off to be put into a Buddha statue. The woodblocks of this sutra are said to have been given to Japan, which had made numerous requests for a set of Tripitaka Koreana woodblocks, in 1441 (23rd year of the reign of King Sejong of the Joseon Dynasty). The Commentary on the Avatamsaka Sutra is a particularly important text since it holds great significance for the history of Buddhist exchanges between China, Goryeo, and Japan.