KJCKorea
Journal Central

This paper investigated the distribution cases of Yuan Tripitaka (the complete collection of Buddhist Sutras, Laws and Treatises) that Koreans imprinted by attaching votive document imprint in the Yuan Dynasty at the Buddhism exchange period of Goryeo and Yuan and examined the historical background and meaning especially through the analysis of a preface and postscript and votive document. YuanTripitakaislargelydividedintoJeoksajang, Boryeongjang and Gwanjang. Imprinting and distribution of Yuan Tripitaka by Koreans dates back to the early 14th century. Jeoksajang is Tripitaka imprinted by dedication of Kim Rok and Pu ning si version is the one that King Chungseon imprinted 50 sets of Tripitaka and offered to the main temples of Yuan in the 1st year of Yuan Injong (1312) and imprinting of Mrs. Cha, the wife of Seongsangun, Jeongyosaseung Lee Yunseung, Park gyeongryang who was the financial aide of King Chungseon and the figures associated with the Yuan imperial Family estimated as Yuan Tripitaka in 1340s receives attention and there were the various cases like Empress Gi imprinted 2 sets of Tripitaka and offered Wondo and Singwang Temple of Goryeo etc. The imprinting subjects of Yuan Tripitaka were various from kings to senior officials such as powerful families etc., Buddhist monks and were the class which could secure the distribution network of Tripitaka purchase through economic power that could imprint Tripitaka. Starting with wishing for longevity of the Emperor and Empress of Yuan, the purposes of imprinting had the nature of praying the good fortune of this life such as the kings and royal family of Goryeo, peace of the family, wishing etc. The recognition of the time for the distribution of Yuan Tripitaka was to value much of Yuan Tripitaka imprinted in Yeohang area of Yuan called <Yeohangmukbonsesobo: Tripitaka printed in Yeohang is considered precious in the world>, to borrow Igok‘s expression. In the intervening period of Yuan, Tripitaka virtue faith imprinting the entire Yuan Tripitaka and making an offering to a temple was developed.

Yuan Tripitaka, King Chungseon, Jeoksajang, Boryeongjang, Wongwanjang, Empress Gi, Kim Rok, Park Gyeongryang, Lee Yunseung, Uiseon, Yunhwan