The 111 volumes of the Kanjur texts in gold calligraphy now reside in the sacred chamber of Tashichhodzong. The texts were rendered in gold calligraphy as a part of the Royal Kanjur Project that commenced in 2018. Upon the completion of the Royal Kanjur Project this year, rendering Buddhist texts in gold calligraphy will continue for the preservation of Buddha’s teachings and its immeasurable benefits for the well-being of sentient beings.
The Royal Kanjur Project was completed after five years. The texts were consecrated by His Holiness the Je Khenpo during the naming ceremony of Her Royal Highness the Gyalsem on December 9. After the completion of the Royal Kanjur Project, the new Kanjur set has been fully recited by over a hundred monks from Tango, Pangrizampa, Semtokha, and Dechenphodrang monasteries dedicated as Kurim for Her Royal Highness the Gyalsem and the historic 116th National Day.
“In 2015 to 2016, after the birth of His Royal Highness Gyalsey Jigme Namgyel, Her Majesty Queen Mother Tshering Yangdoen Wangchuck, put forward a proposal to His Majesty, expressing her desire for Kanjur to be written in gold calligraphy as Kurim for His Royal Highness the Gyalsey and as a relic for the country. Following His Majesty’s decree, a Kanjur committee was established, marking the beginning of this initiative,” said Lam Kezang Chophel, CEO of Office of the Holy Gold Script.
Kangyur or “Translated Words” consists of works supposed to have been spoken by the Buddha himself. The texts are believed to be the embodiment of Buddha himself.
“As awareness of the benefits of gold calligraphy grows among the public, the demand is increasing. For example, some people are requesting relevant texts to be scripted in gold to accumulate merits for their deceased parents. Preserving Buddha’s teachings over time promises greater benefits. People are also asking for prayers of their local deities to be transcribed in gold, and we are committed to providing such services to everyone,” said Lam Kezang Chophel.
Meanwhile, over 11 calligraphers who were part of the Royal Kanjur Project are continuing to calligraph more Buddhist texts in gold.
“Having the opportunity to write and contribute to a project initiated by a Bodhisattva King like His Majesty is a true blessing. I’m really happy to be able to contribute to a project like this in my lifetime,” said Sonam Dorji, Calligrapher of the Office of the Holy Gold Script.
“I would like to thank His Majesty The King because I got the opportunity to take part in the project which is His Majesty’s initiative. In life, we might get to work anywhere for money but this kind of opportunity is very rare, so I am really grateful,” said Dorji, another calligrapher of the Office of the Holy Gold Script.
“I never thought I would get an opportunity like this. While I could have chosen another path in Buddhism, I am truly happy and satisfied that I get to create gold scriptures now,” said Tshering Choezang, who is also a calligrapher.
After the completion of the Royal Kanjur Project, the calligraphers have completed calligraphing various Buddhist texts for the Haa district. They have further received orders from the Paro and Trashigang districts as well.
Kinzang Lhadon
Edited by Kipchu
