The Preservation of Buddhist Treasures Resource

The Preservation of Buddhist Treasures Resource is currently being updated and translated, and has been removed for download in the meantime. Please email us at treasurecaretaker@icloud.com if you would like to be notified when the new resource document is available.

This is a resource for everyone interested in the preservation of sacred art, in particular for monks, nuns and community members who are caretakers for the sacred art in their monasteries. At present, the chapters on Risk Assessment and Disaster Mitigation have been completed, and can be downloaded free of charge below. The other chapters are still in development, pending additional funding. Your support can help make the completion of this resource possible.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION

RISK ASSESSMENT AND DISASTER MITIGATION (available below)

  • Earthquake

  • Pandemic

  • Pollution and Air Quality

  • Temperature and Relative Humidity

  • Water Damage

  • Light

  • Theft

  • Human Choices

  • Pests

  • Fire

DOCUMENTATION AND DIGITIZATION

STORAGE

PRESERVATION OF SPECIAL COLLECTIONS

  • Thangka

  • Texts

  • Dance Costumes and Lineage Robes

  • Electronic Media

 ONGOING PRESERVATION SERVICE (These services are on-going by request to Ann Shaftel, and require continuous support to be available.)

  • Direct questions are being answered with practical and low-cost solutions, currently and in the future

  • Flexible to daily and emergency situations

  • Culturally appropriate

  • Respect for traditional methods and materials

  • Locally sourced materials

  • WeChat, WhatsApp, FB messenger, text and voice calls communication

  • On-site work in disaster and emergencies

  • Workshops and seminars continue in monasteries/nunneries and communities

APPENDIX OF RESOURCES AND LINKS

  • Live links to informational videos, zooms, websites and papers

  • Connection to network of international preservation specialists