The Archive of Yongla Gonpa, like many monastic repositories, houses an extensive collection of sacred scriptures, including a complete set of the Nyingma Gyubum. Among its prized treasures are the collected works of Shākya Chokden and the Seven Treasuries by Longchenpa. The collection consists of both manuscripts and block prints, inscribed in uchen and umey scripts with black ink on cream-colored Bhutanese handmade paper. Notably, it also includes a volume of golden scripture. Organized in the traditional poti style, the texts span a variety of volumes in different sizes and formats. As revered sacred relics, these texts are preserved with utmost care in the central temple’s tower. Stored in a dedicated room without shelves, each volume is meticulously wrapped in protective layers of cloth and secured between wooden boards, fastened with string. These preservation practices embody the deep reverence and meticulous care devoted to safeguarding these spiritual treasures.
Extent: 1 collection containing 303 volumes.
Custodial history: Yongla Gonpa and its archive were historically managed by successive Yongla Lamas, who were appointed by the Central Monastic Body of Bhutan. Initially, upon the passing of an incumbent throne holder, one of their chief disciples would be appointed as the successor. Over time, the Central Monastic Body began appointing lamas from outside Yongla Gonpa to oversee its affairs. The last lama was Dodrup Rinpoche, during whose tenure the Gonpa was cared for by his representative. Following this period, the Gonpa was officially taken over by the Central Monastic Body of Pemagatshel. Today, it serves as the summer residence for the Monk Body of Pemagatshel. Consequently, all the archives of Yongla Gonpa are now under the custodianship of the Lama Neten of Pemagatshel.
Arrangement: The Yongla Gonpa collection does not follow a specific system of arrangement. However, it is broadly classified into the following categories: the Nyingma Tantra collection, the collected works of Longchenpa, the collected works of Shākya Chokden, miscellaneous collected works of Pema Karpo, miscellaneous manuscripts, miscellaneous block prints, the Seven Treasuries, and the opening pages of the Kanjur and Tanjur.
