The mDo sde, or Sutra Collection, encompasses a wide array of sutras, ranging from foundational teachings to those focused on distinctive Mahayana themes such as cosmology, philosophy, and Bodhisattva ethics. This collection, presented in 37 volumes, is crafted in the traditional poti format, with each volume meticulously inscribed in uchen script using black ink on cream-colored Bhutanese handmade paper. The first two pages of each volume feature intricate illustrations: the first page portrays the Buddha at the center, while the second page often depicts scenes from the previous lives of Buddha Shakyamuni, along with a stupa along the margins. An additional opening page, known as the tog, is elegantly adorned with gold ink on dark blue paper, showcasing a central illustration of the Buddha. Regarded as a sacred relic, the collection is housed on traditional bookshelves within the Lama Lhakhang of the Dzong fortress. Each volume is carefully wrapped in multiple layers of cloth, sandwiched between two wooden boards, and securely fastened with a belt, ensuring its preservation and continued reverence for generations to come.
Extent: 37 volumes of manuscripts.
