The ’dul ba, or Vinaya corpus of the Kanjur, is dedicated to monastic discipline, covering the establishment of monastic laws and codes, guidelines for adherence, accounts of transgressions with corresponding penalties or corrective measures, and prescribed practices for renunciates seeking liberation. The ’dul ba section of the Semtokha Kanjur comprises 12 volumes, presented in the traditional loose poti format. Each volume is meticulously inscribed in uchen script using black ink on cream-colored Bhutanese handmade paper. The first page of each volume is adorned with gold ink on dark blue paper, featuring two illustrations of Buddha Shakyamuni, gracefully positioned on the left and right margins. Regarded as a sacred relic, this collection is preserved with the utmost care on newly constructed wooden bookshelves within the Dzong fortress. Each volume is wrapped in multiple layers of cloth, securely sandwiched between two protective wooden boards, and tightly fastened with a string. This careful preservation reflects the profound reverence with which this spiritual treasure is safeguarded for future generations.
Extent: 12 volumes of manuscripts.
Original institution reference: 'Dul ba.
