(i) One of the most revered institutions in the Tibetan world- the Derge Parkhang or printing lamasery is located in the mountainous heart of the Kham region.
(ii) The press, in the town of Derge, dates to 1729 and draws pilgrims from across the Tibetan plateau.

HALLOWED TRADITION :

(a) The printing press is the embodiment of a hallowed tradition and is one site where the Tibetan language is being preserved.
(b) It has more than 3,20,000 wooden printing blocks that are on average more than 260 years old.
(c) The monastery also houses collections of sutras, including 830 classic scriptures and copies of more than 70% of ancient Tibetan manuscripts.

THE PROCESS :

(a) The printing blocks are constructed from red birchwood in 13 steps.
(b) At an early stage, the raw pieces of wood have to be soaked in feces for a half-year.
(c) Those pieces of wood that do not crack or break during this period are then made into printing blocks. Craftsmen apply an herbal solution that repels rats and insects.

CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE :

1. Tibetans consider the Derge printing house to be a holy site, similar to a monastery or temple.
2. Traditional Tibetan doctors and medical students regularly come to Derge to collect herbs used in Tibetan medicine, as the plant life in this area is unlike that found in other parts of Tibet.