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Sakya Monastery and it's iconic library

Sakya Monastery, located in Sagya County of Tibet

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Sakya Monastery is a Buddhist monastery located in the town of Sakya in Ladakh, India. The monastery was founded in 1073 and is one of the oldest and most important monasteries in the region.  It's known for it's iconic library, which contains an impressive collection of ancient Buddhist manuscripts and texts. 


The library of Sakya Monastery is a two-story building that houses over 84,000 ancient manuscripts, including the famous Kangyur and Tengyur texts. These texts are considered to be the most important and sacred texts in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition. The Kangyur contains the teachings of the Buddha , while the Tengyur contains commentaries and treatises on the teachings. The library is also a home to a number of rare and valuable manuscripts, including a copy of the Prajnaparamita Sutra, which is believed to be over 1000 years old.



 

 The manuscripts are written in various languages including Tibetan, Sanskrit, and even Chinese.  In addition to its impressive collection of manuscripts, the library also contains a number of other artifacts , such as thangkas (Buddhist religious paintings on cloth) and sculptures.  Visitors to the library can take guided tours and learn about the history and significance of the manuscripts and other artifacts.

 

The library at Sakya Monastery is a unique and important cultural treasure, not just for the Ladakh region, but for the entire world.  Its collection of ancient Buddhist manuscripts provide a glimpse into the rich and complex history of Buddhism in Tibet and beyond.