Transcription of Saddharmapundarika Sutra (The Lotus Sutra) in Gold on Indigo Paper, Volumes 3-4

The Lotus Sutra (Saddharmapundarika Sutra), often abbreviated as Beophwagyeong, is founded on the basic idea that the path to becoming a Buddha is open to everyone. It is the fundamental scripture of the Cheontae school and, together with the Hwaeom school, had a great influence on the establishment of Buddhist thought in Korea. This transcription of the Lotus Sutra's volumes 3 and 4, in gold script on indigo paper, transfers the text of the sutra onto blue paper in gold-coloured characters; two books, corresponding to volumes 3 and 4, survive. Each is made to unfold like a folding screen, and when folded each measures 31 cm in height and 11 cm in width. The outer covers of volumes 3 and 4 differ slightly in pattern, but both bear the title of the sutra, surrounded by an ornate floral design. Since the other volumes have been lost and only these survive, the circumstances of their production and their exact date cannot be known; only the inscription "施主權圖南" ("sponsored by Gwon Do-nam") appears at the end of volume 3. The characters are written with great elegance and care, and the gold retains its brightness; the work is presumed to have been produced in the late Goryeo period.

AI Translation

Where it is

Region

Gyeongju, Gyeongbuk

Designation

Treasure · 보물