New Library

A new library for our Karma Kagyu lineage is now completed. We now have an climate controlled room for Tibetan texts and a classroom for study courses and translation work. In order to understand the benefit of such a library it is important to know what is collected there. On the basis of all kinds of Buddhist books, one can develop an overview and do research on the whole of Buddhism. In cities today there is not much time to study the different Buddhist traditions extensively. Here at Karma Guen, one can find the necessary peaceful and focused atmosphere and pleasant climate providing ideal conditions for such studies.

The activity of the new library will be to collect and preserve Buddhist literature, especially regarding the practice-oriented lineages. In this context it may be interesting to know that Tibetan literature as a whole is the second-largest collection in the world after Chinese literature. This, however, refers to all kinds of books, not just Buddhist literature. The Buddhist literature is very extensive and makes up the biggest part of Tibetan texts. In fact, Tibetan Buddhism is the only complete transmission of Buddha's teaching.

Another big part of the library project is the exchange of information and co-operation with other centers and similar projects. For this an on-line catalogue of knowledge will be created. We are already working together closely with several universities and big libraries.

Our classroom block and library are the cornerstones of our rapidly developing International Institute for Tibetan and Asian Studies (ITAS), which with support of the Canterbury Christ Church University, U.K. is offering university level courses in Tibetan Buddhism at Karma Guen at various times of the year. At the moment, a unique BA Tibetan Translation is offered, which complies to the British standards for higher education. In the future, more undergraduate and also postgraduate programs will be offered. By doing so, ITAS aims in the short to mid term to educate translators, who in the long run will contribute substantially to the preservation of the rich cultural tradition of Tibetan Buddhism by interpreting lectures and translating the Diamond Way Buddhist teachings into their native languages.

ITAS is headed by Prof. Dr. Burkhard Scherer (Canterbury Christ Church University, External Academic Director), Mr. Manfred Seegers (Director Open University) and Mr. Peter Gomez (Director Finance).
ITAS andits library is of special benefit for the 17th Gyalwa Karmapa Thaye Dorje, the head of the Kagyu tradition, as well as to other teachers who may want to give longer courses or special transmissions.

In order to carry out all these projects, anybody who feels a connection with this kind of activity can contribute. Any kind of support - even good wishes - is welcome. Thus we will together be able to preserve Buddha's profound teachings on the workings of the mind for future generations.
To support financially, please use this account :

ASOCIACION KARMAGUEN

Unicaja, Málaga-55, España

Cuenta: 2103 2087 2 4 0010038258

Referenze: ITAS .....

SWIFT: UCJAES2M

IBAN: ES32 2103 2087 2400 1003 8258

BIC/SWIFT-Code: UCJAES2M

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