Tripitaka Koreana

The Tripitaka Koreana, also known as the Palman Daejanggyeong, is a comprehensive collection of Buddhist scriptures engraved on over 80,000 wooden printing blocks. This monumental work is housed at the Haeinsa Temple in South Korea and is considered one of the most significant and well-preserved collections of Buddhist texts in the world.

Historical Background

The Tripitaka Koreana was commissioned during the Goryeo Dynasty, specifically in the 13th century, as an act of devotion and a means to invoke divine protection against the Mongol invasions. The initial project began in 1011 under King Hyeonjong but was destroyed by fire during the Mongol invasions in 1232. The current version, which is the second edition, was completed in 1251 under the reign of King Gojong. The project was overseen by the monk Sugi and involved the collaboration of numerous scholars, monks, and artisans.

Compilation and Production

The process of compiling the Tripitaka Koreana was meticulous and labor-intensive. The texts were carefully selected from various sources, including earlier Chinese and Korean versions of the Buddhist canon. The wooden blocks were made from birch wood, which was soaked in seawater for three years, then cut and dried for another three years to ensure durability and resistance to decay.

Each block measures approximately 70 cm by 24 cm and is engraved with around 320 characters on each side. The total number of characters in the Tripitaka Koreana is estimated to be over 52 million. The precision and craftsmanship involved in the engraving process are remarkable, with each character being uniform in size and style.

Content and Structure

The Tripitaka Koreana is divided into three main sections: the Sutra Pitaka, the Vinaya Pitaka, and the Abhidharma Pitaka.

The Sutra Pitaka contains the discourses attributed to the Buddha and his close disciples. It is the largest section and includes texts such as the Heart Sutra and the Lotus Sutra.
The Vinaya Pitaka consists of texts related to monastic discipline and ethical conduct, providing guidelines for the behavior of monks and nuns.
The Abhidharma Pitaka includes philosophical and doctrinal treatises that analyze and systematize the teachings found in the Sutras.

In addition to these primary sections, the Tripitaka Koreana also contains commentaries, treatises, and other supplementary texts that provide further insights into Buddhist teachings and practices.

Preservation and Significance

The Tripitaka Koreana has been remarkably well-preserved over the centuries, thanks in part to the unique storage conditions at Haeinsa Temple. The wooden blocks are housed in specially designed buildings that allow for natural ventilation and temperature control, preventing the growth of mold and insects. The buildings themselves are constructed using traditional Korean architectural techniques, with raised floors and open eaves to facilitate airflow.

The significance of the Tripitaka Koreana extends beyond its religious and historical value. It is also an important cultural and artistic artifact, showcasing the advanced level of craftsmanship and scholarship in Goryeo-era Korea. The collection has been recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site and is considered a national treasure of South Korea.

Modern Research and Digitalization

In recent years, there has been a growing interest in the study and digitalization of the Tripitaka Koreana. Scholars from around the world have been working to create digital copies of the texts, making them more accessible to researchers and the general public. The digitalization process involves high-resolution scanning of the wooden blocks and the creation of searchable databases that allow for easy navigation and analysis of the texts.

The digital Tripitaka Koreana has opened up new avenues for research, enabling scholars to conduct comparative studies with other versions of the Buddhist canon and to explore the historical and cultural context of the texts in greater depth. It has also facilitated the preservation of the original wooden blocks by reducing the need for physical handling and exposure to environmental factors.