The Perfection of Wisdom Sutras, also known as the Prajnaparamita Sutras, are among the most influential Mahayana scriptures, focusing on the concept of emptiness and the nature of all phenomena. Revered by Mahayana followers as the Buddha’s teachings, these sutras are believed to have been composed between the first century BCE and the second century CE. Serving as the foundation for the Middle Way teachings, the Bum, particularly the Perfection of Wisdom in Hundred Thousand Lines, is considered the largest and most widely recognized version across the Himalayan region. Presented in 16 volumes in the traditional loose poti format, the collection is inscribed in uchen script with black ink on cream-colored Bhutanese handmade paper. The first page of each volume is adorned with gold ink on dark blue paper. As a sacred relic, this collection is carefully preserved on newly constructed bookshelves within the Dzong fortress. Each volume is wrapped in multiple layers of cloth, shielded by two wooden boards, and securely fastened with a string, ensuring its preservation and continued veneration for future generations.
Extent: 16 volumes of manuscripts.
Original institution reference: 'Bum.
