The Manuscript Collections of the Ancient Tantras: An Examination of Variance

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This sub-project will focus on the para-canonical collection known as the rNying ma rgyud 'bum or the "Collection of the Ancient Tantras" of the rNying-ma school of Tibetan Buddhism. The objective is to study the variance exhibited in the various versions of the collection with regard to their length, the number and identity of the individual works contained in them, and their arrangement. This will be done on two levels: (a) Comparing the various collections by creating a concordance which will include a comparison of the individual works: recording variations in their titles and colophons, and differences in their size, content, and placement within the overall arrangement of the collection, (b) Investigating the doctrinal, social, economic, political, and cultural aspects of the formation of the collection; the production of the various versions; and the various roles and functions assignable to the collection. Moreover, the influence of the Xylographie edition on the later transmission of the collection and other possible consequences of this change of medium will be examined.