Transcription of Mireuk sambugyeong (Three Principal Scriptures of the Maitreya Sutra) in Silver on Indigo Paper

Mireuk, or Maitreya, is the Future Buddha believed to have come down to earth from the Tushita Heaven to save mankind. In Korea, Maitreya has been the object of worship since the Three Kingdoms’ Period. Mireuk sambugyeong refers to the three principal scriptures of Maitreya Buddhism; this book, measuring 52.5 cm wide and 29.5 cm long, is transcribed in silver powder on indigo paper. Since all of its pages are connected with one another, the book can be folded like a folding screen. According to the epilogue, the book was compiled in 1315 (second year of the reign of King Chungsuk of the Goryeo Dynasty) by Buddhist Monk Sinin in the hopes of ensuring national security and prosperity as well as the comfortable lives of the monk’s deceased parents in the next world. Written in excellent calligraphic style, the book provides insight into the trend of Maitreya Buddhism of Goryeo.