Publication of Sūtra of Great Dhāraṇī of the Uṣṇīṣa-cittā and Analysis of its Goryeo Edition
Authors:   Korean Institute for uddhist Studies, Ahn Hui Sub 
Published: September 2023

This study examined Chinese edition and records of a Korean institution based on previous studies and actual examination of the Sūtra of Great Dhāraṇī of the Uṣṇīṣa-cittā. In conclusion, following points have been discovered.
First, the Sūtra of Great Dhāraṇī of the Uṣṇīṣa-cittā is categorized as Wigyeong(僞經) as it was established during the Tang Dynasty and its structure follows three volumes and one edition; different signatures were marked according to content of each volume.
Second, there are Chinese character editions and Seoha editions discovered in Dunhuang, Xia, and Turpan. In particular, Gyeongdang(經幢; a sculpture with engraved scripts in a tower-style stone) style was popular in the 11th and 12th centuries during the Liao Dynasty and Jin Dynasty.
Third, in the 12th century (year of 1150, 1156, and 1166) of Korea, Jumun(呪文) of ‘Buljeongsimjineon(佛頂心眞言)’ in Dharani Chongjijip(摠持集; compiled edition of Dharanis) is listed in Siddam characters. These records were discovered in Vairocana Buddha statue in Haeinsa Temple and the editions of the year of 1156 and 1166 consist of in 47 chapters engraved by ‘Jonsim(存心)’ and Eonpyeong(彦平)’, respectively. Among these editions, there is Beomseo Chongjijip prayed by Jahwa(資華) of Bupsoo Temple(法水寺) and the edition in 1150 was corrected and published by Sawon(思遠) in Gwangjaepo(廣濟鋪), a place where old Pyeong was.
According to 『History of Goryeo(高麗史)』, Buljeongsimdoryang(佛頂心道場) was held frequently as a Buddhist event to protect the country from war and natural disasters. Three volumes structure can be witnessed in the early 13th century and most of the existing books are designed with portability. It is suggested that these books were created to hope for safety from the war against Mongolia and the military coup. Such practice reflects the background of the time, when esoteric Buddhism was popular among public.
Fourth, in the early Joseon Dynasty, there are small-sized books created based on the Goryeo editions to treat and prevent individuals’ disease, disasters, and bad luck. In 1485, the royal kingdom published a woodblock edition with a plaque based on the edition of Ming Dynasty of China for the well-being of the royal family and prosperity of the descendants. During this time, Eonhae edition was printed with Eulhae metal type. This edition was published until the 17th century with slight variations in a myraid of local temples. However, the style on Eonhae portion remained the same.
Fifth, the titles of the three volumes of the scripture are different and the marks in each volume appear differently by periods and editions. The first volume lists the virtues of Dharani as Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva pledges to Sakyamuni Buddha; the second volume mentions the virtues and protection gained by memorizing and offering this scripture all the time; and the third volume includes Dharani’s virtues with four spiritual examples. In other words, it includes stories about people eliminating their sins from their previous lives, woman born as a man, healing diseases, defeating evil, getting pregnant, protecting mothers and living in paradise through Dharani.
Sixth, this Dharani was engraved and distributed not only in three volumes but also in the form of a single sheet with Jumun(呪文) since the Goryeo Dynasty, and was mainly engraved at local temples in response to the demand of the private sector in the late Joseon Dynasty. As the time goes by, Hanmuneum, Siddam character, and Hangeuleum were selectively applied to Jumun(呪文) as needed and its writing styles including but not limited to Hapja(合字; combined characters), Byeonggi(倂記; write both Hangeul and Hanja character sounds in orderly manner), Gujeolpyosi(句節表示; read by character segments), Jangdaneum(句節表示), Seongjopyosi(聲調表示; high and low character sounds) varied by the ed