The literary work of lHa btsun Rin chen rnam rgyal

This essay has the aim of presenting a short survey of the literary work of the bKa’ brgyud pa master lHa btsun Rin chen rnam rgyal (1473–1557), one of the closest disciples of gTsang smyon Heruka (1452–1507). This latter undertook a cultural project with the help of his heart–sons. They wished to glorify their lineage and make works available to many people. Earlier texts had remained in manuscript form until that time. They organized the carving of woodblocks that would guarantee a wide distribution of the works and reduce the risk of their loss. gTsang smyon and his disciples did not confine themselves to printing the existing works, instead compiling, editing and writing many texts they committed to blocks. lHa btsun founded the small monastery of Brag dkar rta so that quickly became a famous printing house. This essay presents lHa btsun's work at Brag dkar rta so through the analysis of two hagiographies of this master and through the examination of extant prints produced there.