The Nimalung Archive, a sacred monastic repository, houses an extensive and diverse collection of Buddhist scriptures, including literary works, liturgical manuals, philosophical treatises, personal notes, and various sutras of profound significance. The collection features both manuscripts and block prints, inscribed in the traditional uchen and umey scripts. Written with black ink on cream-colored handmade Bhutanese paper, the texts showcase the region’s craftsmanship and dedication to preserving spiritual heritage. Among the treasures held in the archive are manuscripts belonging to Beyul Rinpoche and block prints produced from woodblocks carved in Lhalung, Tibet, under the patronage of Chumig Drungpa Gonpo Dorji. The archive is further enriched by manuscripts and block prints that were brought from Tibet by the monastery’s founder, Doring Trulku. These texts, which merge Bhutanese and Tibetan traditions, offer a unique and varied collection that reflects the rich spiritual and cultural legacy of both regions. One of the most revered pieces is a golden scripture written in gold ink on dark blue paper, symbolizing the profound spiritual and cultural value of these works in Bhutan. The sacred relics of the archive are meticulously preserved with great care. They are stored on bookshelves, carefully wrapped in protective cloth, and secured between wooden boards fastened with string. These preservation methods reflect the deep reverence held for the texts and demonstrate a steadfast commitment to safeguarding Bhutan’s spiritual heritage for future generations.
Extent: 1 collection of manuscripts containing 155 volumes.
Custodial history: The majority of the Nimalung Archive originally belonged to the lineages of the abbots of Nimalung, and as such, the texts were stored in the private residence of the abbot of Nimalung Monastery. Some manuscripts, however, are believed to have belonged to a lama known as Beyul Rinpoche. Today, the archive is divided into two parts: one is stored in the chaphel of the protective deity, forming the Nimalung Dratshang Collection, while the other is housed in the library of Nimalung Shedra, known as the Nimalung Shedra Collection. The Nimalung Shedra Collection is under the custodianship of the librarian, while the Nimalung Monastery Collection is cared for by the caretaker of the chaphel.
Arrangement: The collection lacks a systematic arrangement or specific order. However, the Nimalung Archive has broadly categorized it into two primary groups: the Nimalung Dratshang Collection, belonging to the Nimalung Central Monastic Body, and the Nimalung Shedra Collection, associated with the Nimalung Higher Buddhist Studies Centre.
Author(s)/Creator(s): The Nimalung archive is a testament to the legacy of various individuals, shaped over time and across different locations.
