The Phal chen, or Buddha Avatamsaka collection, explores profound Mahayana themes, including cosmology, philosophy, and the ethical practices of a Bodhisattva. This collection, presented in six volumes, follows the traditional poti format, with its content meticulously inscribed in uchen script using black ink on cream-colored Bhutanese handmade paper. The first page of each volume features a central illustration of the Buddha, while the second page is adorned with elegant margin illustrations depicting the past lives of Buddha Shakyamuni and a stupa. An additional opening page, known as the tog, is beautifully decorated 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: 6 volumes of manuscripts.
Original institution reference: Phal_chen.
