Buddhist Digital Resource Center

The Treasury of Lives is a peer-reviewed, open-access online collection of biographical essays established in 2007. It functions as an encyclopedia dedicated to the historical figures of Tibet, India, Inner Asia, and the Himalayan Region. The project aims to provide broad access to the lived histories of these areas, catering to scholars, independent researchers, and practitioners. The essays cover a diverse range of individuals, including Buddhist masters, artists, and political figures.

Originally known as The Tibetan Lineages Project, it was a collaborative effort involving over 150 contributors who have published more than 1500 biographies. The website is enhanced with extensive cross-references to related art, maps, place descriptions, genealogical information, and timelines. The Buddhist Digital Resource Center (BDRC) has a close connection to The Treasury of Lives, with its database being linked and key BDRC figures instrumental in the project's development. Initially funded by the Shelley and Donald Rubin Foundation, it became an independent non-profit organization in 2017. Efforts are underway to localize the website into Tibetan and Chinese to serve a growing international user base.

The Treasury of Lives serves as a comprehensive online encyclopedia, featuring peer-reviewed biographical essays on significant historical figures from Tibet, India, Inner Asia, and the broader Himalayan region. Launched in 2007, its core mission is to offer open access to the rich tapestry of lived histories from these areas. The resource is designed to be accessible to a wide audience, encompassing academics, independent researchers, and individuals engaged in spiritual or practical study of the region's traditions. The biographies span a wide spectrum of individuals, from revered Buddhist masters and influential political leaders to accomplished artists, reflecting the multifaceted cultural and historical landscape of the region.

This extensive biographical collection is the product of a collaborative effort, with contributions from over 150 authors who have collectively published more than 1500 biographies. Many of these essays undergo peer review, ensuring academic rigor. The platform is designed with extensive internal and external linking capabilities, connecting essays to relevant artistic works, geographical maps, detailed place descriptions, information on family and clan structures, and historical timelines. This interconnectedness enhances the depth and context of the biographical information presented. The project is closely affiliated with the Buddhist Digital Resource Center (BDRC), whose database is integrated with The Treasury of Lives, and whose founders played a significant role in shaping the project's vision and development strategy.

The initiative began as The Tibetan Lineages Project, initially guided by Moke Mokotoff, Matthieu Ricard, and Vivian Kurz. Alexander Gardner currently leads the project as Executive Director and Editor in Chief. The project received initial funding and incubation support from the Shelley and Donald Rubin Foundation before establishing itself as an independent non-profit organization in 2017. To further its accessibility and reach, The Treasury of Lives is actively engaged in localizing its content into Tibetan and Chinese languages, aiming to better serve the increasing number of users who engage with the platform in these languages.