社區專題故事

Since 84000 launched our vast Reading Room more than thirteen years ago, the multi-layered database of Buddhist terms, places, people, and other information found in the collection of the Buddhist Kangyur and Tengyur published texts has continued to grow. It now contains more than four million nodes, or data points, across 350 translations—an average of 1,200 nodes per text.

84000’s primary mission is to translate the Buddhist canon for diverse audiences–monastics and scholars as well as practitioners and general readers–while taking great care to make those translations accurate, available, and accessible. At the same time, 84000 strives to create a seamless and user-friendly reading experience that enhances the reader’s understanding.

「 這真是最簡單的決定。我很榮幸能夠為仁波切的佛行事業略盡綿力。 對我而言，這不僅護持了仁波切的佛行事業，而且還能與佛陀的言教結緣，這是極為殊勝的。」

We sat down recently with Dr. Fumi Yao, the translator of “The Chapter on Medicines,” to learn more about how she came to specialize in the Mūlasarvāstivāda Vinaya, what she has learned about the differences and similarities across various traditions’ Vinaya literature, and how broad the notion of “medicine” may have been in ancient India.

Film director Queena Li--creator of our tenth anniversary #SaveWisdomNow video--has just seen her debut feature premiere to widespread acclaim. Here, Queena shares with 84000 how her interest in exploring the mind has inspired her creativity, the role film can play in reminding audiences of the relevance of Buddhist wisdom today, and what offerings she finds most beautiful.

As we mark the anniversary of the Bir Conference 2009 that gave birth to our growing initiative, we sit down with Ivy Ang, who—appointed by Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche to facilitate those historic six days—has since been there with us every step of the way.

Building on our aspiration to revitalize interest in the foundations of the Buddhadharma, we took to the road (virtually, of course) to ask some of our friends from across the Himalayas which their favorite 84000 Reading Room features are, and why.

It feels somewhat bittersweet to share the news that after eleven years helping to incubate, develop, and advise 84000, Cangioli Che is stepping down from the Executive Committee. Since 2009, Cangioli has been instrumental in building the foundations to allow 84000 to become what we are today.

Last month, Deborah Dorjee—an instructor at Siddhartha’s Intent—kindly hosted a session during our twenty-four hour virtual sūtra recitation. In these uncertain times, we decided to sit down and talk with her more about the potential for Buddhism to help build mental and emotional resilience.

This morning, our Founding Chair, received a letter from a 94-year old Bhutanese that touches us deeply. On this Saga Dawa Düchen, we send our heartfelt thanks to Aum Tshering Zam for her generosity, and for inspiring us to continue connecting the world with wisdom for the benefit of all sentient beings.

The best gift we could receive on our birthday are stories of how our work has helped you! We're touched by Hasta Colman's inspiring reflection on how her own language-learning journey has mirrored 84000's development over the past decade.

It is with great sadness that we share news of the passing away of one of our most expert and productive translators, Dr. Gyurme Dorje. John Canti, our Editorial Co-Director, pays tribute to Gyurme's life, personal qualities, and achievements as a prolific and dedicated translator.