The different mediums of knowledge

FROM WOODEN XYLOGRAPHS...

In Tibet, the large libraries were composed of wooden xylographs. Due to the rarity and the preciousness of paper, the Tibetan texts were printed on order, according to the xylographic procedure. Each page corresponds to one sculpted wooden block. The space needed to store these blocks is immense and this easily combustible medium could easily disappear forever. Books in their traditional form are truly a precious commodity. Tibetan texts are printed on loose leaf paper, known as péchas, and are not bound. They are conserved in knotted fabric squares (pérés in Tibetan).

...TO THE PAPERLESS BOOK

In old Tibet, three yaks were necessary to transport the collection of the word of Buddha. Today, all that is needed is a USB jump drive! The digital format constitutes another form of conservation.

THE DIFFERENT MEDIUMS EMPLOYED

The documents in the Dhagpo Kagyu library are conserved in different forms.
- Péchas: notably the 316 volumes of Kangyur and of the Tengyur
- Books in western format: these are written in diverse languages (Tibetan, Chinese, English, French, German, Spanish, Polish, Japanese, etc.). Our principle archiving is currently on paper
- Booklets: they present transcriptions of teachings given by lama Jigmé Rinpoché during the quarterly study and meditation retreats at Dhagpo Kagyu Ling
- Microfilms: the 37 000 microfilms
« Collection of Tibetan Works, programme PL 480 »
- Digital format: some Tibetan texts are digital, and available in informatic files
- CD & DVD: living memory of Buddhism, of audio recordings of teachings, films and documentaries are available to consult
- Magazines & brochures: available for consultation in the reading room