In a monumental cultural and spiritual milestone, Bhutan has commenced the international distribution of the 31-volume sungbum—the collected works of the revered Longchen Rabjampa. Transcribed meticulously by 30 skilled Bhutanese calligraphers in Thimphu from 2020 to 2023, these sacred texts are now reaching Dharma Centres across the globe, marking a first-of-its-kind initiative to honor and preserve Longchenpa’s profound legacy.
The global dissemination, which began on December 1 and will continue through the end of the month, has already seen copies distributed to countries including the United States, Brazil, France, New Zealand, Mexico, China, Nepal, and Taiwan. Within Bhutan, the sungbum is being delivered to all religious institutions under the Choedey Lhentshog, encompassing chodey, dubdra, shedra, and dratshang establishments.
Ensuring the utmost accuracy and sanctity, a dedicated team of 127 Bhutanese scholars rigorously cross-checked the transcribed volumes. This painstaking effort represents the first complete transcription of Longchenpa’s works ever undertaken in Bhutan. The project is distinguished not only by its comprehensive nature but also by its artistic innovation—each text was scripted using gold, silver, vermilion, turquoise, and topaz mineral pigments and inks, a pioneering achievement both within Bhutan and globally.
Adding a sacred dimension to the project, the team incorporated a bone relic of Longchenpa himself into the ink used for writing. This symbolic act intertwines the holy body, mind, and speech of the saint with every letter, infusing the texts with spiritual potency.
Project Director Khenpo Phuntshok Tashi emphasized the significance of this endeavor, stating, “All Dharma Centres across the globe will receive the complete collection of the sungbum. This international circulation is a gift from Bhutan, the land of Dharma, Gross National Happiness, and the hidden jewel of the Himalayas. It is intended to ward off negative energies, war, disease, and famine worldwide.”
The sungbum draws from the three volumes of the 17 tantras—pith teachings of the Buddha that offer the potential for enlightenment within a single lifetime. These tantras, originally brought from India to Tibet by Guru Rinpoche and Vimalamitra in the 8th century, were concealed by Guru Rinpoche’s 25 disciples due to initial resistance. Centuries later, Longchenpa rediscovered and propagated these teachings in early 14th-century Bhutan, earning profound respect and reverence.
Longchen Rabjampa (1308–1364), one of Tibet’s most esteemed saints, made Bhutan his spiritual home at the age of 42. During his decade-long stay, he authored numerous works and established eight significant spiritual sanctuaries. His writings, considered the embodiment of a visionary and enlightened being, were safeguarded by the Dharma protectors Rahula, Ekajati, and Damchen Dorje Legpa, who vowed to protect each word and line, ensuring their enduring influence on practitioners seeking complete awakening.
The Bhutanese view this project as a heartfelt tribute to Longchenpa’s invaluable contributions to Buddha Dharma and the preservation and promotion of Bhutanese culture and tradition. By recreating and printing the sungbum in Bhutan, the nation underscores its commitment to preserving Dzogchen teachings and fostering literary art.
While individual copies are not presently available, Khenpo Phuntshok Tashi assured that genuine practitioners residing in hermitages or remote mountain areas will be granted access to these sacred texts. This selective distribution underscores the texts’ profound spiritual significance and the intention behind their global dissemination.
Blessed and endorsed by numerous esteemed masters, the sungbum stands as a testament to Bhutan’s dedication to spiritual heritage and cultural preservation. As the volumes make their way to Dharma Centres worldwide, they carry with them the enduring wisdom of Longchenpa, offering guidance and enlightenment to practitioners around the globe.
