Resources
The Tibetan library: an extensive collection of Tibetan texts
Tibetan library
One of the most extensive libraries of Tibetan texts, Padmakara’s library includes over four thousand Tibetan texts, rare manuscripts, xylograph editions and printed books. They cover all aspects of Tibetan culture-literature, science, medicine, the arts, architecture, and especially texts on Buddhist philosophy and practice from all traditions. All of these books are catalogued, examined, checked and classified. Depending on their state of preservation, some have to be copied by an expert calligrapher or transcribed on computer for reprinting. Computer technology is proving a rapid and efficient means for the correction, storage and consultation of these texts, as well as for their reprinting in a variety of formats.
Efforts are now being made to fund the construction of a library facility in order to better preserve the texts and to make them more accessible to other scholars and translators for general study.
The audio library: preservation of a unique audio heritage
Since the Centre d’Etudes de Chanteloube was founded over thirty years ago, the teachings given there by all the great teachers have been recorded. Each of them is a priceless treasure.
In several cases these audio recordings of teachings and commentaries by venerated lamas have been the starting point for translated versions published as books, allowing them to be distributed and read throughout the world instead of remaining inaccessible. For example, one of the last teachings given in the west by Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche was transcribed, translated, and published as the book Enlightened Courage (French: Audace et compassion). A number of future book projects will be developed from this precious resource.
But in a multimedia age it is not only as printed books that these archives can be accessed. The numerous teachings that have been recorded over the years now constitute an irreplaceable living transmission of the Buddhadharma. Preserving, archiving and making available these audio recordings is now one of Padmakara’s designated roles. Today, the Association houses more than 3,000 recordings on audio cassettes and MDs (Compact Mini-discs), and many hundreds of hours of digital MP3 files. The collection is stored and catalogued for the use of teachers, scholars, and practitioners.
Distribution of audio media
Many of Songtsen’s seminars are available to the public in MP3 format on CDs. In certain cases, respecting the Buddhist tradition, some recordings may be restricted and available only to students who have participated in the particular seminar, who have received the prerequisite transmissions, or who have been given permission by a lama. To view our catalogue of available teachings or to order CDs of a particular talk facilitated by Songtsen see Padmakara’s list of audio recordings.
Please note that although these teachings would ideally be available without cost, a minimal charge is necessary to cover the basic production and distribution expenses. In the near future, Songtsen hopes to provide online access to a selection of audio recordings for download.
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