The Tripitaka: famous Buddhist scriptures and movable metal type

Investigations and activities (History/SOSE Focus)

1. Look at the image The Tripitaka: famous Buddhist scriptures and movable metal type and read the eight pieces of rollover text. Go to The Buddhist Canon article in the Spring 2000 edition of Koreana magazine to read about the Tripitaka, and to Korea’s Movable Metal Type Opens the Era of Modern Civilization in the Spring 2005 edition of Koreana magazine to read about movable type.

a) When you first looked at the image of Tripitaka, what did you think these wooden blocks were? Why do you think they are so highly valued today?

b) When the Tripitaka was being crafted, the King was hiding from Mongol invaders. Find out why the Mongol people invaded Korea from the north in the 1200s. Who were they?

2. a) Buddhism was introduced to Korea in AD 372. Shamanism, Confucianism and Christianity are other religions that have also had a major influence on Korea. Investigate the main teachings of these four religions. In groups, find out the main beliefs of these four major religions.

b) Create a timeline to represent the point in history when each religion began its influence on Korea. What kind of impact has each of these religions had on the Korean people?

3. a) Go to the Cultural Heritage Administration of Korea website. Visit the Tripitaka section, which is part of the information about the Haeinsa Temple, to find out about the daily life for the Buddhist monks who guard the Tripitaka today.

b) Brainstorm what you already know about the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and World Heritage Listing. Find out more through the World Heritage section of their website. Does UNESCO have a real role and influence in the world? Debate this question in groups and provide evidence for your claims.

c) Find out how a site is granted World Heritage Listing and what this means.

d) Research and identify World Heritage Listed sites in Australia or in other parts of Asia and the wider world. For more information go to the World Heritage List on the UNESCO site.