Background sources are written for a general audience and are intended to give an overview of a topic, fill gaps in the reader’s knowledge, and provide context for deeper understanding. Examples include Wikipedia, introductory textbooks, and reference works such as encyclopedias, dictionaries, and handbooks. They can be a useful place to start your research and can assist in selecting a topic for a research project, locating basic information and key facts, defining important words and concepts, and getting suggestions for additional sources to consult.
Typical characteristics of background sources:
Buddhist Texts online 佛教大藏經
CBETA Chinese Tripitaka – 大藏經
Japanese Taisho Tripitaka – 大正新脩大藏經
Master Shengyan Dharma Drum – 聖嚴法師法鼓全集
Digital Dictionary of Buddhism (DDB) 電子佛教辭典 maintained by Charles Muller
Free version, "guest" user access allows 10 searches in a 24-hour period
Chinese Rare books Collection (coming soon)