Cheonsu Printing Woodblocks of Beomeosa Temple

The Cheonsugyeong (Thousand-Hand Sutra) is the most widely read basic scripture of Buddhist devotion in Korea, a dharani sutra (a text of ritual incantations) praising the boundless compassion of the Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara. It was widely disseminated by the Venerable Samyeong of Song-dynasty China, and in Korea it began to circulate from the mid-Goryeo period, becoming most deeply revered in the Joseon dynasty, when the greatest number of editions were produced. This edition of the Cheonsugyeong, consisting of a complete set of seven woodblocks, measures 21.4 cm across and 54.4 cm high, with an inner frame measuring 21.1 cm by 34.8 cm. According to the publication record, the woodblocks were first published at Gamnosa Temple in 1676, the second year of King Sukjong, and were later moved to Beomeosa Temple, where they were republished. At the end is a brief note written by Tagyeong, a disciple of Howol, describing the contents of the woodblocks and related matters. These woodblocks, held by Beomeosa Temple, appear to have been carved to make the Cheonsugyeong, then widely popular, known to the general public, and they are considered valuable material as an old set of woodblocks.

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Where it is

Region

Geumjeong-gu, Busan

Designation

Provincial Tangible Heritage · 시도유형문화유산