Mongsanhwasang beobeo yangnok (Sermons of Buddhist Monk Mongsan with Commentaries in Korean)

As a compilation of Buddha’s sermons and teachings, this book was popularly used during the Joseon Dynasty as a guide for monks in practicing asceticism. It consists of 6 volumes of Buddhist sermons by famous Buddhist Monk Mongsan Deogi of the Yuan Dynasty and of 1 volume of Buddhist sermons by Buddhist Monk Naong of the Goryeo Dynasty. Buddhist Monk Mongsan Deogi had frequent exchange with State Preceptor Hyegam Manhang and State Preceptor Bogam Hongu of Goryeo and wielded great influence on Korea’s Buddhist community since the late Goryeo Dynasty. This book was annotated and translated into Korean language by Hyegak Sinmi, a Buddhist monk of the Joseon Dynasty. It was engraved on wooden plates first, and then printed on mulberry paper. Measuring 30.4 cm long and 18.8 cm wide, the book was first printed during the 13th year of King Sejo’s reign by Gangyeongdogam (Directorate of Buddhist Publications founded in the 7th year of the reign of King Sejo (1461) of Joseon); the name Sinmi is mentioned on the title page. In the book printed by Queen Insu in the 3rd year (1472) of King Seongjong’s reign, however, the name Sinmi is omitted, but a writing by scholar Kim Su-on is listed at the end of the book. This book seems to have been printed first in the 13th year of King Sejo’s reign (1467), judging from the fact that it does not have a writing by Kim Su-on and from the name of translator. It is worth mentioning that this book was used by Choui Uisun (1786-1866), a Master of the late Joseon Dynasty. Written on the back of the 4th, 6th, and 7th pages of the book is Cheongheodang bojangnok, with a writing subsequently stating that it was copied on the back of the book to ensure the transmission of the record for later days in case of loss of the record.