'Copying Buddhist Scriptures' Sakyong Designated as National Intangible Cultural Heritage

The act of transcribing scriptures by hand

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Jong-gil] The work of transcribing Buddhist scriptures, known as ‘Sakyong (寫經)’, will be designated as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage. On the 1st, the Cultural Heritage Administration announced the preliminary designation of the Sakyong technique and artisans, called Sakyongjang (寫經匠), as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage, and the preliminary recognition of Mr. Kim Kyung-ho as a holder.

In Korea, Sakyong is believed to have begun during the Three Kingdoms period when Buddhism was introduced. Its original purpose was the distribution of scriptures. From the mid-8th century, when woodblock printing technology developed, it was mainly performed for merit-making.

Sakyong reached its heyday during the Goryeo Dynasty, when Buddhism was the state religion and specialized institutions operated. It was mainly conducted to pray for national prosperity and personal well-being. Its quality was said to be so excellent that hundreds of Sakyong monks were dispatched to China during the reign of King Chungnyeol of Goryeo (1274?1308). However, with the founding of the Joseon Dynasty, which emphasized Confucianism, it declined and barely survived by relying on some royal family members and temples.

Shilla Baekji Muksseo Daebangwangbul Hwaeomgyeong (National Treasure No. 196)

The oldest Sakyong relic in Korea is the national treasure ‘Silla White Paper Ink Manuscript of the Avatamsaka Sutra,’ created in the mid-8th century. The national treasure ‘Goryeo Blue Paper Gold and Silver Ink Avatamsaka Sutra Bodhisattva Practice Chapter,’ made during the Goryeo period, is also famous for being painted with gold and silver pigments on blue paper.

The Sakyong process is divided into transcription, creation of byeonsangdo (變相圖, Buddhist scripture-themed paintings), and cover decoration. It is completed through various steps such as making gold powder, making glue, treating and cutting paper surfaces, joining, ruling lines, transcription, drawing byeonsangdo, painting covers, and surface finishing. A Cultural Heritage Administration official said, “To perform Sakyong, one must be proficient in calligraphy, classical Chinese, Buddhist doctrine, and painting. It also requires high concentration and physical stamina.”

Mr. Kim Kyung-ho, who has been preliminarily recognized as a holder, has devoted over 40 years to Sakyong and widely promoted its importance. He has continuously researched Sakyong materials, formats, and content, earning recognition as a suitable candidate. He also won the grand prize at the first Buddhist Sakyong Competition hosted by the Jogye Order in 1997. A Cultural Heritage Administration official said, “He skillfully reproduces the traditional Sakyong style, and his byeonsangdo brushwork is detailed and elegant.”

The Cultural Heritage Administration will collect opinions from various sectors for a month and finalize the designation and recognition after review by the Intangible Cultural Heritage Committee.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.