You can run a CBETA MCP Server to query and retrieve Buddhist scriptures from CBETA’s extensive collections, such as the Taishō Tripiṭaka and related texts. This server exposes tools to search sutras, fetch contents, explore work information, and browse catalogs, enabling you to build applications and services that explore Buddhist scriptures programmatically.

How to use

You will interact with the CBETA MCP Server through an MCP client. Use the search functionality to find sutras by keywords, retrieve the full content of specific sutras or volumes, fetch metadata about a work, and browse the complete scripture catalog. You can also explain sutra passages or look up Buddhist terminology to support study or educational tools.

How to install

Prerequisites: Node.js (recommended for local setup) and a modern shell. If you choose the Cloudflare Workers path, you will also need a Cloudflare account and Wrangler CLI.

# Option 1: Local (Node.js)
# Clone the repository
git clone https://github.com/your-username/cbeta-mcp.git
cd cbeta-mcp

# Install dependencies
npm install

# Build
npm run build

# Run
npm start

Option 2: Cloudflare Workers (Recommended)

Prerequisites: Cloudflare account, Node.js v18+, Wrangler CLI.

Deployment steps include cloning the project, installing dependencies, logging in to Cloudflare, and deploying. After deployment, your MCP server becomes available at the Cloudflare Workers URL.

# 1. Clone the repository
git clone https://github.com/your-username/cbeta-mcp.git
cd cbeta-mcp

# 2. Install dependencies
npm install

# 3. Login to Cloudflare
npx wrangler login

# 4. Deploy to Cloudflare Workers
npm run deploy

After deployment, your MCP server will be available at:

https://cbeta-mcp.<your-subdomain>.workers.dev

Local development support is also provided for testing and iteration.

## Local development and testing

You can start a local development server and test with MCP Inspector to verify the MCP endpoints and responses.

Start local development server

npm run dev:worker

Test with MCP Inspector

npx @modelcontextprotocol/inspector@latest

## Available tools

### search\_sutra

Search Buddhist scriptures by keyword across available scopes and pages.

### get\_sutra\_content

Retrieve the content of a specific scripture or volume.

### get\_work\_info

Fetch detailed metadata about a listed work, including its titles and identifiers.

### browse\_catalog

Explore the complete scripture catalog organized hierarchically.

### explain\_sutra

Explain sutra passages to aid understanding and study.

### buddhist\_term

Lookup Buddhist terminology and terms used in scriptures.