Community Stories

Film producer Nanette Nelms became a student of Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche in 2004, nearly a decade before he summoned her to produce Vara: A Blessing in 2013.

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.

We are incredible humbled to share that last week, on the auspicious occasion of Chötrul Düchen, 84000 received its largest ever recurring donation to be offered on an annual basis.

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.

Professor Jens Braarvig talks to us about his translation of ‘The Miraculous Play of Mañjuśri' - a Mahāyāna sūtra that unfolds within a story about a courtesan and a wealthy, banker’s son - as well as the importance of language and philology in Buddhist studies.