About Adarshah
7 April, 2020 2021-01-13 4:57About Adarshah
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ABOUT ADARSHAH
Our digital database of texts currently holds:
INTRODUCTION
The Clear Mirror of Electronic Tibetan Texts
Adarshah is a digital product developed by Dharma Treasure Corp. There is an online format and also mobile device APP. There is a total of 110 volumes.
The software allows users to search and read the scriptures. This software is called ADARSHAH which is a Sanskrit word. The Tibetan translation is “melong” which means clear mirror. The Kangyur, Tengyur, great works by Tibetan scholars and parts of the Bon Kangyur collected by us are like a clear mirror that is able to reflect things in general.
It is intended that ADARSHAH will be able to show all Tibetan scriptures. Thus, the software was named ADARSHAH in the hope that it would be a clear mirror that shows clearly all Tibetan scriptures.
Original wood blocks and the resulting “pressed” sheets of paper.
OUTCOMES
The Five Main Functions of Adarshah
The Dharma Treasure Corporation has developed five main functions that we aim to achieve throughout the lifetime of Adarshah.
Empower the user to read ancient texts through an easy to use interface enabled by modern technology to increase the convenience and speed in which texts can be viewed.
To conduct advanced and quick searches to find particular texts within a database of a large number of varied categorized texts.
By way of example, if the cursor is pointed to the word “Bhikshu” then the definition will appear below or if the user clicks on the term “Bhikshu” then the definition will appear. This is a particular handy function in the Vinaya section of the Kangyur as there are many old words used which we often do not know the meaning. If we are able to gain permission to the Tibetan published “Clear Mirror to Classical Words” then this function would be more complete.
We plan to develop a platform in the future that enables users to compare different versions of the Kangyur, using the Lijiang Kangyur as the root copy. This function will enable users to do a page by page comparison and switch between versions of the Kangyur. We aim to include the Derge, Coni, Snar Thang, Sog Khure and other versions of the Kangyur in this function. There will be the ability to refer both to the text and image of each page of the different versions of the Kangyur to overcome any errors in text input and add greater value to researchers and scholars.
This platform allows users to read and compare scriptures in their Tibetan, Sanskrit and Chinese versions. The focus will be on some main scriptures, such as Suttra, ārya-prajñāpāramitā-sañcayagāthā, the Heart Sutra, the Diamond Sutra, prātimokṣa-sūtra, and other famous sutras such as these to enable a function to switch between the Tibetan, Sanskrit and Chinese versions of the scriptures for study. For example, the screen will display the Sanskrit version on the top where the user can switch between the Sanskrit word being shown using English roman letters to spell out its phonetics or original Sanskrit characters. Under this there will be the Chinese version and then the Tibetan version. For instance, if the term “bed” is on the screen then the user does not even need to click on the term, moving the curser over the term will highlight both the Chinese and Sanskrit versions as red. This function requires the input of many scholars to conduct such cross-language comparison and without this analysis we will not be able to complete this function.
We plan to record a portion of the scriptures to be read aloud as some people would like to listen and read the scriptures at the same time. Users can employ this function regardless of whether they are interested in learning Tibetan or merely want to listen to the dharma. We want to foster an interest in learning and studying the Kangyur for all.
The Kangyur being carefully scanned to create a lasting database for future generations and students around the world.
The deep dharma connection of the Jiang government and the compassionate advice of the Karmapa
The 17th Gyalwang Karmapa – 2016 Consecration of the Lijiang Kangyur
The fifth king Muk Ching had great faith and devotion for the 7th Karmapa Chodrak Gyatso (1454–1506), and made great offerings to him. The seventh king Muk Ting invited the 8th Karmapa Mikyo Dorje (1507–1554) to Jiang, making offerings to him and showing him great respect. Following the intention of the 8th Karmapa, the king did not wage war against Tibet and also promised to send yearly offerings to Central Tibet.
During the reign of Muk Tsang, the 13th king of the Jiang dynasty, the kingdom had spread widely and was prosperous; from Litang in northern area of Kham to Chamdo in the west, a large sweep of territory came under his power. Further, Mu Zeng was very skilled in grammar and poetry and had a deep appreciation of the Dharma as well.
It was during the reign of this highly accomplished king that the Jiang Kangyur was published and then transmitted. In Describing the Sources of the Kangyur by Garwang Thamche Khyenpa Chokyi Wangchuk, we find the explanation that the original [handwritten] manuscript that served as a basis for the Jiang Kangyur was “the best among the later editions. It was given its name based on the time period and its owner and known as the Tsalpa Kangyur. The masters and scholars who edited, annotated, and corrected it, included Zhonu Tsul Shakyai Gyaltsen, one or two in the succession of the Gyalwang Karmapas, Thamche Khyenpa Chenga Chokyi Drakpa, and Go Lotsawa.
The precious Kangyur.
In Tibet these days, it is the peerless jewel.” The text also states that the Chinese emperor Ching Ngam Tatsi made offerings to the Tibetan regent. To benefit living beings, the emperor invited the Great Bodhisattva [Gyalwang Karmapa] and, treating him like a chief minister, the emperor called together a meeting of his great ministers. The emperor had the inclination to be satisfied, and without making a great effort, he felt that he had swiftly accomplished a great purpose.
His original hand-written manuscript of the Kangyur was the only one of its kind in Tibet at that time and considered the best among all manuscripts. Famous as the Tsalpa Kangyur, it was named after its time and its owner. This Kangyur was edited and annotated by many great scholars, including Zhonu Tsultrim Shakyai Gyaltsen and previous incarnations of the Karmapas and Shamar Rinpoches, so it was renowned in Tibet as the incomparable Tsalpa Kangyur. This new printing of the Jiang Kangyur was based on this Tsalpa manuscript.
Later, when the great scholar, the all-knowing 8th Situ Chokyi Jungne, was preparing to print the Dege Kangyur, he referred mostly to the Jiang Kangyur, though he did change the order and edit it.
Visit the search engine now to start exploring the Kangyur, Tengyur and masterpieces. EXPLORE
The Adarshah App
As well as the full website version, there is also an App that allows your to explore the Kangyur on your phone.
