Jikji
Introduction
Jikji is a Korean Buddhist document recognized as the world's oldest extant book printed with movable metal type. This significant artifact, dating back to 1377, predates the Gutenberg Bible by 78 years, marking a pivotal moment in the history of printing technology. The full title of the work is "Jikji Simche Yojeol," which translates to "Anthology of Great Buddhist Priests' Zen Teachings." It was compiled by the Buddhist monk Baegun, who aimed to disseminate the teachings of Zen Buddhism. The Jikji is an invaluable testament to the advanced state of Korean printing technology during the Goryeo Dynasty and provides insight into the religious and cultural milieu of 14th-century Korea.
Historical Context
The Goryeo Dynasty (918–1392) was a period of significant cultural and technological advancements in Korea. During this era, Buddhism was the dominant religion, and it played a crucial role in shaping the cultural and intellectual landscape. Monasteries were centers of learning and innovation, and the dissemination of Buddhist texts was a priority. The invention of movable metal type in Korea was a revolutionary development that facilitated the mass production of texts, allowing for the broader distribution of religious and philosophical teachings.
Movable type printing technology was first developed in China during the Song Dynasty, using clay and wood. However, Korean artisans improved upon this technology by creating metal type, which was more durable and allowed for more precise printing. The development of this technology was driven by the need to produce Buddhist texts efficiently, as well as the desire to preserve and disseminate knowledge.
Compilation and Printing
The Jikji was compiled by the Buddhist monk Baegun Gyeonghan, who lived from 1298 to 1374. Baegun was a prominent figure in the Zen Buddhist community, and his teachings emphasized the importance of meditation and direct experience in achieving enlightenment. The Jikji is a collection of teachings from various Zen masters, intended to guide practitioners on their spiritual journey.
The printing of the Jikji took place at the Heungdeoksa Temple in Cheongju, Korea. The temple was a significant center for Buddhist learning and printing during the Goryeo Dynasty. The use of movable metal type allowed for the efficient production of multiple copies of the text, facilitating its distribution among Buddhist communities.
Structure and Content
The Jikji is divided into two volumes, each containing a collection of Zen teachings. The first volume, which has not survived, is believed to have contained teachings from Indian and Chinese Zen masters. The second volume, which is the extant portion, includes teachings from Korean Zen masters. The text is written in Classical Chinese, which was the scholarly language of the time, and it reflects the influence of both Indian and Chinese Buddhist thought.
The teachings in the Jikji emphasize the importance of meditation and direct experience in the pursuit of enlightenment. The text includes dialogues between masters and disciples, anecdotes, and aphorisms that illustrate key Zen concepts. The Jikji serves as both a practical guide for practitioners and a philosophical exploration of Zen principles.
Significance in Printing History
The Jikji holds a unique place in the history of printing as the oldest known book printed with movable metal type. This technological innovation had profound implications for the dissemination of knowledge and the development of print culture. The use of metal type allowed for more durable and precise printing compared to earlier methods, such as woodblock printing or clay type.
The significance of the Jikji extends beyond its technological achievements. It represents a convergence of religious, cultural, and technological advancements in Korea during the Goryeo Dynasty. The production of the Jikji reflects the importance of Buddhism in Korean society and the role of monasteries as centers of learning and innovation.
Preservation and Legacy
The surviving volume of the Jikji is currently housed in the National Library of France in Paris. It was acquired by the library in the early 20th century and has since been recognized as a UNESCO Memory of the World document. The Jikji's inclusion in this program highlights its global significance as a cultural and historical artifact.
Efforts to preserve and study the Jikji continue, with scholars examining its historical context, printing techniques, and philosophical content. The Jikji serves as a reminder of Korea's contributions to the development of printing technology and its rich cultural heritage.
Influence on Modern Printing
The invention of movable metal type in Korea had a lasting impact on the development of printing technology. While the Gutenberg Bible is often credited with revolutionizing the spread of printed materials in Europe, the Jikji demonstrates that similar advancements were taking place in Asia decades earlier. The techniques developed in Korea laid the groundwork for future innovations in printing, influencing the spread of knowledge and ideas across the globe.
The legacy of the Jikji is evident in the continued importance of printed materials in the dissemination of information and culture. The principles of movable type printing, first realized in works like the Jikji, remain foundational to modern printing processes.