In the Joseon dynasty, Buddhism was very suppressed, but esoteric Buddhism was exceptionally treated so as to be more followed, and various ritual books, Holy words(眞言), and Dharani scriptures(陀羅尼經) were published. In this study, the publications of esoteric Buddhist Sutras in the Joseon dynasty are summarized. In addition, by the examination of existing sutras, we analyzed the trend in their thematic, periodic and regional distributions.
When we examine the thematic distribution of Buddhist ritual books, most materials are related to Sooryuk-jae(水陸齋), daily rituals, offering ritual to Budda, and Yeosoo-jae(豫修齋). In periodic distribution of Sutras, publications between the 16th and 17th century were dominant, especially during the reign of King Seon-jo and King Sook-jong were most prevalent one with the theme of Sooryuk-jae.
In regional distribution of Sutras, Kyungsang and Jeolla provinces were noticeable with the ratio of 65%. Also their publishing methods were mainly by woodblock print, and partially by movable wooden types or metal types. Another noteworthy fact is that despite suppression of Buddhism, esoteric Buddhism was strongly followed and sponsored by people, especially Royal families. It is well evidenced that many esoteric Buddhist Sutras were published with the financial support of those Royal families, and by the Gangyungdogam.