Life of the Buddha

Composed in vernacular Korean by Powŏl, P’alsangnok, or Record of the Eight Marks, is an influential pre-modern fictional biography of the Buddha that chronicles the life of Śākyamuni through eight transformative stages, from his celestial origins to his final moments.

Life of the Buddha illuminates the rich tapestry of Chosŏn Buddhism as translated by Canadian missionary James Scarth Gale in 1915. With nearly four decades of immersion in Korean culture, Gale’s expertise ensures that this translation retains the essence of the original, while highlighting unique local teachings alongside the broader Buddhist biographical tradition. The book offers a comprehensive introduction to P’alsangnok and compiles an extensive list of Buddha biographies published in European languages from the mid-nineteenth to mid-twentieth centuries, aiming to evaluate Gale’s impact on the discursive formation of Buddhism in the West.

Edited by Hyangsoon Yi, this groundbreaking volume examines the dynamic interplay between popular Buddhist practice and literature during the Chosŏn era, offering a vital opportunity to explore intercultural and interreligious dialogues and the enduring relevance of Buddhist teachings.