A Proposal for the Restoration of the Hwaeom Seokgyeong of Unified Silla: Analysis of Previous Studies and Suggestions for Future Research Directions

The Hwaeom Seokgyeong (Stone Sutra of the Avataṃsaka Sūtra), which once adorned the interior of the Jangyukjeon Hall at Hwaeomsa Temple, was severely damaged during two Japanese invasions, leaving behind only approximately 10,000 fragments. Although multiple attempts have been made to restore the sutra, and related research has continued over the years, the restoration remains a significant challenge. This study reviews previous research on the Hwaeom Seokgyeong and identifies key difficulties in the restoration process. These include discrepancies between the Hwaeom Seokgyeong text from the Unified Silla period and the Tripitaka Koreana version from the Goryeo dynasty, inconsistencies in the narrative structure at the micro-level despite an overarching order, the limited number of surviving fragments, and the uneven distribution of the extant pieces. Based on these findings, this paper proposes future directions for restoration research: establishing a classification and preservation system for the fragments, collecting scattered fragments, and securing authentic versions of the Avataṃsaka Sūtra from comparable periods. Further study is also needed on identifying the precise arrangement of the fragments and discussion determining appropriate restoration methods. The restoration of the Hwaeom Seokgyeong will be a highly arduous and complex undertaking. It is hoped that this study will serve as a meaningful guide for future restoration efforts.