Jikji (replica)

The original title of Jikji is “Baegun hwasang chorok buljo jikji simche yojeol” (Monk Baegun's Anthology of the Buddhas and Patriarchs Pointing Directly to the Essence of the Mind). Preceptor Baegun Gyeonghan compiled this book by selecting essential teachings of the Buddhas and patriarchs that directly point to the essence of the mind. It is regarded as the best textbook of Seon Buddhism, with its collection of crucial points from the tripitaka and numerous quotations from the patriarchs. After Preceptor Baegun passed away in 1374, his disciples Seokchan and Daljam published this book in 1377 with movable metal type at Heungdeoksa Temple, Cheongju, with a donation from nun Myodeok. Jikji was listed in UNESCO Memory of the World on September 4, 2001, in consideration of the fact that it is the oldest extant book printed with movable metal type and that it contributed toward the historical development of humanity by bringing about a remarkable change in printing technology.