Myobeobyeonhwagyeong Gwon6~7(1987-1)

Basic information

Designation

Treasure No.936-1

Category

Books & Records

Era

조선 성종 1년(1470)

Designated year

1987

Location

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

Coordinates

No precise coordinates are available, so this item is not shown as a map marker. To be added later.

Saddharmapundarika Sutra (Lotus Sutra) is the principal scripture of the Cheontae Order of Korean Buddhism. The main idea of the book is that the way to become a Buddha is to open to everyone. Along with the Avatamsaka Sutra (Flower Garland Sutra), this sutra was a principal scripture that wielded great influence on the establishment of Buddhist thoughts in Korea. This book measures 22 cm wide and 35.2 cm long, and Volumes 6 and 7 are printed into one book on mulberry paper using woodblocks. A piece of writing by Kim Su-on (1410-1481) was printed with woodblocks at the end of this book, with a handwritten script by Kang Hui-maeng (1424-1483) added to it after the book was published. According to these records, the woodblocks were carved in 1470 (1st year of King Seongjong’s reign) to publish the book in 1482 (13th year of the reign of the same king). The woodblocks were originally made at the request of Queen Dowager Jeonghui, wife of King Sejo, in order to pray for the repose of deceased kings – King Sejong, King Yejong, and King Deokjong. Later, Queen Dowager Insu, wife of the deceased King Deokjong, ordered this book published in memory of her only daughter, Princess Myeongsuk.