Ancient Buddhist Sultras Found in Songkwang Temple

Volumes of “Sokjanggyong,” the Buddhist Sultras, appraised as valuable as national treasures, were discovered under the statues of the Four Devas in Songkwang Temple in South Jeolla Province.

Fourteen copies of 12 Sultras, which was published in the Chosun dynasty, were found while the temple was doing a repair job on the statues, Seobong Museum, the temple’s in-house exhibit, said on April 8.

The two books, “Myobyomyeonhwahyoneui” and “Inwanghogukbanyagyong Sobyeophyoengcho,” were discovered for the first time. Their existence has to date only been confirmed in the reference of “Sokjanggyong.” “Wongakgyongdaesoseokuicho,” another volume unearthed, is a rare copy that was not even mentioned in the reference.

“Sokjanggyong” is a collection of Buddhist teachings, compiled by monk Uicheon of the Koryo dynasty from Korea, China, and Japan. It was republished during the rule of King Sejo in the Chosun Dynasty.

“ ‘Sokjanggyong’ at Songkwang temple are National Treasure,” Prof. Song Il-ki at Chung-ang University, “It is likely that new finds will classified as national treasures, too.” He added, “If the statues are completely searched, we will likely find two more volumes.”

Jung-Bo Suh suhchoi@donga.com