The Perfection of Wisdom in Twenty-Five Thousand Lines is considered the medium version of the Perfection of Wisdom sutra, focusing on the profound philosophy of Emptiness. This version shares the same content and extent as the one found in the Kanjur. However, the Archive of Semtokha houses a distinct and independent version of this sutra. The Perfection of Wisdom Sutras, or Prajnaparamitasutras, are revered as some of the most important Mahayana scriptures, exploring the nature of emptiness in all phenomena. Mahayana followers regard them as the words of the Buddha, while modern historians date their composition to between the first century BCE and second century CE. These teachings form the foundation of the Middle Way, which became widely popular in the Tibetan and Himalayan regions. Presented in four volumes in a traditional loose poti format, the text is inscribed in uchen script using black ink on cream-colored Bhutanese handmade paper. Unlike the Kanjur, this version does not include miniature illustrations, but each page features two circular motifs, known as “chos mig” (scripture eye), placed at the center, symbolizing the profound spiritual significance of the text. The collection is prominently displayed on traditional bookshelves within the chaphel of the protective deity in the Dzong. It is carefully preserved, wrapped in multiple layers of cloth, shielded by two wooden boards, and securely fastened with a belt, reflecting the deep reverence and care with which this sacred text is maintained.
Extent: 4 volumes of manuscripts.
Arrangement: This particular collection is arranged sequentially based on the volume numbers.
Author(s)/Creator(s): According to the Kangjuep, the propitiator of the protector deity of the Dzong, it is believed that Zhabdrung Ripoche brought the manuscripts from Tibet with him when he was escaping to Bhutan due to political conflict in Tibet.
Original institution reference: ཉི་ཁྲི།.
