Tripitaka Koreana

1. Tripitaka Koreana Korean National Treasure “Spiritual Code Carved in Wood”

2. Tripitaka Koreana Complete Buddhist Canon World’s oldest surviving collection of carved woodblocks Approx. 80,000 woodblocks Housed at Haeinsa Temple Tripitaka means 3 baskets or divisions; the Sutras, Buddha’s words; the precepts & rules ; and expositions on the text.Tripitaka means 3 baskets or divisions; the Sutras, Buddha’s words; the precepts & rules ; and expositions on the text.

3. Tripitaka Koreana UNESCO’s World Heritage list Universal significance Uniqueness Technological excellence Artistic excellence Importance to study of Buddhism

4. What does the Tripitaka tell us about Geography? Politics? Character Culture? Religion

5. Geography Tripitaka housed at Haeinsa Temple Ideal site according to geomancy SW midslope of Kayasan Water at foot of mt. Resembles ship about to set sail for Paradise In Buddhism, ships symbolize enlightenment gained through wisdom, which in turn refers to Paradise. In Buddhism, ships symbolize enlightenment gained through wisdom, which in turn refers to Paradise.

6. Politics 5,000 Woodblocks carved 1011 Just after invasion of Khitan soldiers 2nd ed. of 1,000 volumes, 36 years later 50 years later 4,740 more volumes Carved to unite people & ensure Buddha’s protection against invaders

7. Politics 1232 Mongols invaded Burned all the woodblocks King ordered them re-carved

8. Character 4 years after Mongol devastation in 1232 80,000 resolute Koreans carved Tripitaka again as act of defiance 80,000 woodblocks carved which are in useable shape today

9. Culture Advanced state of environmental science 1,000 years ago Ideal siting of repository Carving of Blocks

10. Carving of the Blocks White birch soaked in seawater Ends fitted with bronze plates Chinese Characters & pictures drawn to guide carving Last blocks carved on Kojedo Island—ample wood and king was in safe keeping there Brine prevented rot & insectsLast blocks carved on Kojedo Island—ample wood and king was in safe keeping there Brine prevented rot & insects

11. Repository buildings Exposed to SW to prevent humid wind from direct entry North of repository to steep cliffs Keeps north wind out 655 meters above sea level Moisture rising from valleys evaporates Ideal humidity

12. Repository buildings Not in permanent shadow Sunlight reaches ground year round Windows arranged to facilitate steady air circulation Design promotes constant temperature, humidity, ventilation year round Windows block humid valley air No artificial means used to regulate air; all done by natural means. Sand on floor. NO bugs or birds Windows block humid valley air No artificial means used to regulate air; all done by natural means. Sand on floor. NO bugs or birds

13. Religion Importance of Buddhism to Korean People Moral compass during Koryo & Silla periods Temples at propitious sites to strengthen power of kingdom

14. Religion Tripitaka canon reflected fervent desire of Koreans to defend homeland against Mongol invaders Relying on faith in Buddha’s blessing

15. Religion 3 temples—3 treasures Buddha Dharma—Buddha’s teachings Sangha—monks who practice Buddha’s teachings Haeinsa represents Dharma-treasure because it houses TripitakaHaeinsa represents Dharma-treasure because it houses Tripitaka

16. Religion Importance revealed through lives & thought of monks Buddhism state religion of Koryo Dynasty (918-1392) Korean scholars traveled to China & India to study Monks introduced Buddhism to Japan 551 CE Distinguished monks preached & practiced Dharma in the secular world.Distinguished monks preached & practiced Dharma in the secular world.

17. Religion Monk Chongnim leads team to digitalize