Songgwangsa Temple: Edict of King Gojong of Goryeo

SOUTH KOREA, South Jeolla, Suncheon; Goryeo dynasty

National Master Jingak was praised for his moral conduct by King Gojong (reigned 1214–1259) of the Goryeo dynasty, who issued a document bestowing him the title of Seon Master. Listed as National Treasure No. 43, the calligraphy is considered a valuable piece of documentation aiding in the understanding of the veneration system of Seon masters during this time.
National Master Jingak was also known by his Dharma name of Hyesim and was the disciple of the famed National Master Pojo. An important figure in Korea’s Buddhist history, he dedicated his life to practicing Seon and propagating the teachings of the Jogye school of Korean Buddhism.
Written on a roll of paper, this document is made up of seven pieces of colored silk brocade. The strokes in running script are straight and rapid, but feature characteristics of regular script. Although this ancient work of calligraphy has deteriorated significantly over the years, it is still considered to be an exemplary work of the Goryeo dynasty (918–1392).