The Perfection of Wisdom Sutras, also known as the Prajnaparamitasutras, are among the most influential Mahayana scriptures, focusing on the concept of emptiness and the nature of all phenomena. These sutras are regarded by Mahayana followers as the Buddha’s teachings and are believed by scholars 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 a loose poti format, the collection is inscribed in uchen script with black ink on cream-colored Bhutanese handmade paper. Each volume opens with a central illustration of a Buddha, and the second page features detailed margin illustrations of the previous lives of Buddha Shakyamuni and a stupa. As a sacred relic, this collection is carefully preserved on traditional bookshelves in the Lama Lhakhang of the Dzong fortress, wrapped in multiple layers of cloth and shielded by two wooden boards, securely fastened with a string.
Extent: 16 volumes of manuscripts.
Condition of original material: 13th volume of this Bum collection is missing. Partially damaged by worms along the margins on all four sides.
Alternative calendar and date: Tibetan, Iron Snake Year
Original institution reference: 'Bum.
