Difference between revisions of "Kangyur" - New World Encyclopedia

Latest revision as of 15:34, 29 May 2014

Woodblock printing of scriptures. Sera Monastery, Tibet. 1993.

The Kangyur, also known as Kanjur (Tibetan meaning: "The Translation of the Word"), is one of the two major divisions of the Tibetan Buddhist canon along with the Tengyur ("Translation of Treatises"). This twofold classification of Tibetan scriptures became normative by the fourteenth century through the work of Sakya master Buton Rinchen Drub, the 11th Abbot of Shalu Monastery (1290-1364).

The Tibetan Buddhist canon consists of a loosely defined list of sacred texts recognized by the various Tibetan sects and schools. In addition to texts from early Buddhist and Mahayana sources, the canon also includes tantric texts. However, the distinction between sutra and tantra is not rigid. For example, in some editions the tantra section includes the Heart Sutra^[1] and even Pali texts such as the Mahasutras.^[2] Additionally, the Tibetan canon includes foundational Buddhist texts from the Sarvastivada.

The Kangyur represents a significant development in the crystalization of Tibetan scriptures because it provided textual cohesion and classification to the Tibetan corpus, whose texts were frequently imported by oral transmission. Thus, the Kangyur allowed the various Buddhist schools in Tibet to use an indigenous yardstick to discuss scriptures among their traditions.

Origins

The first use of the term Kangyur in Tibetan Buddhism is not known. Collections of canonical Buddhist texts already existed in the time of Trisong Detsen, the sixth king of Tubo, in Spiti, who ruled from 755 until 797 C.E. However, it was not until the fourteenth century, when the formalization of the Tibetan canon's two divisions was compiled by by Bu-ston (1290–1364).

Description

The Tibetans devised their own formally arranged canon of Buddhist scriptures, which they divided texts into two broad categories:

Kangyur (Wylie: bka'-'gyur) or "Translated Words," consists of works, in about 108 volumes, supposed to have been said by the Buddha himself. All texts presumably had a Sanskrit original, although in many cases the Tibetan text was translated from Chinese or other languages.
Tengyur (Wylie: bstan-'gyur) or "Translated Treatises" is the section to which were assigned commentaries, treatises and abhidharma works (both Mahayana and non-Mahayana). The Tengyur contains 3626 texts in 224 Volumes.

"The Kangyur usually takes up a hundred or a hundred and eight volumes, the Tengyur two hundred and twenty-five, and the two together contain 4,569 works."^[3]

The Kangyur is divided into sections on Vinaya, Perfection of Wisdom Sutras, other sutras (75 percent Mahayana, 25 percent Nikayan or Hinayana), and tantras. It includes texts on the Vinaya, monastic discipline, metaphysics, the Tantras, etc.^[4] Some describe the prajñāpāramitā philosophy, others extol the virtues of the various Bodhisattvas, while others expound the Trikāya and the Ālaya-Vijñāna doctrines.^[5]

The exact number of texts in the Kangyur is not fixed. Each editor takes responsibility for removing texts he considers spurious or adding new translations. Currently there are about twelve Kangyurs. These include the Derge, Lhasa, Narthang, Cone, Peking, Urga, Phudrak, and Stog Palace versions, each named after the physical location of its printing or copying in the case of manuscripts editions. In addition, some canonical texts have been found in Tabo and Dunhuang, which provide earlier texts found in the Kangyur. The majority of extant Kangyur editions appear to stem from the so-called Old Narthang Kangyur, though the Phukdrak and Tawang editions are thought to lie outside of that textual lineage. The stemma of the Kangyur have been well researched in particular by Helmut Eimer and Paul Harrison.^[6]

The Bon religion also has its canon literature divided into two sections called the Kangyur and Tengyur claimed to have been translated from foreign languages but the number and contents of the collection are not yet fully known. Apparently, Bon began to take on a literary form about the time Buddhism began to enter Tibet. The Bon Kangyur contains the revelations of Shenrab (Wylie: gShen rab), the traditional founder of Bon.^[4]

Five traditional topics of study

All four schools of Tibetan Buddhism generally follow a similar curriculum, using the same Indian root texts and commentaries. The further Tibetan commentaries they use differ by school, although since the 19th century appearance of the widely renowned scholars Jamgon Kongtrul and Ju Mipham, Kagyupas and Nyingmapas use many of the same Tibetan commentaries as well. Different schools, however, place emphasis and concentrate attention on different areas.

The exoteric study of Buddhism is generally organized into "Five Topics," listed as follows with the primary Indian source texts for each:

Abhidharma (Higher Knowledge, Tib. wylie: mdzod).
- Compendium of Higher Knowledge (Abhidharma Samuccaya) by Asanga.
- Treasury of Higher Knowledge (Abhidharma Kosha) by Vasubandhu.
Prajna Paramita (Perfection of Wisdom, Tib. wylie: phar-phyin).
- Ornament of Clear Realization (Abhisamaya Alankara) by Maitreya as related to Asanga.
- The Way of the Bodhisattva (Bodhicharyavatara, Tib. wylie: sPyod-‘jug) by Shantideva.
Madhyamika (Middle Way, Tib. wylie: dbu-ma).
- Fundamental Wisdom of the Middle Way (Mulamadhyamakakarika, Tib. wylie: rTsa dbu-ma) by Nagarjuna.
- Four Hundred Verses on the Yogic Deeds of Bodhisattvas (Catuhsataka) by Aryadeva.
- Introduction to the Middle Way (Madhyamakavatara,’’ Tib. wylie: ‘’dBu-ma-la ‘Jug-pa) by Chandrakirti.
- Ornament of the Middle Way (Madhyamakalamkara) by Shantarakshita.
- The Way of the Bodhisattva (Bodhicharyavatara, Tib. wylie: sPyod-‘jug) by Shantideva.
Pramana (Logic, Means of Knowing, Tib. wylie: tshad-ma).
- Treatise on Valid Cognition (Pramanavarttika) by Dharmakirti.
- Compendium on Valid Cognition (Pramanasamuccaya) by Dignaga.
Vinaya (Vowed Morality, Tib. wylie: 'dul-ba).
- The Root of the Vinaya (Dülwa Do Tsawa, 'dul-ba mdo rtsa-ba) by the Pandita Gunaprabha.

In the Tibetan tradition, some collections of teachings and practices are held in greater secrecy than others. The sutra tradition comprises works said to be derived from the public teachings of the Buddha, and is taught widely and publicly. The esoteric tradition of tantra is generally only shared in more intimate settings with those students who the teacher feels have the capacity to utilize it well. Included among these, and of great importance, are the "Five Treatises of Maitreya." These texts are said to have been related to Asanga by the Buddha Maitreya, and comprise the heart of the Yogacara (or Cittamatra, "Mind-Only") school of philosophy in which all Tibetan Buddhist scholars are well-versed. They are as follows:

Ornament for Clear Realization (Abhisamayalankara, Tib. mngon-par rtogs-pa'i rgyan).
Ornament for the Mahayana Sutras (Mahayanasutralankara, Tib. theg-pa chen-po'i mdo-sde'i rgyan).
Sublime Continuum of the Mahayana (Mahayanottaratantrashastra, Ratnagotravibhaga, Tib. theg-pa chen-po rgyud-bla-ma'i bstan).
Distinguishing Phenomena and Pure Being (Dharmadharmatavibhanga, Tib. chos-dang chos-nyid rnam-par 'byed-pa).
Distinguishing the Middle and the Extremes (Madhyantavibhanga, Tib. dbus-dang mtha' rnam-par 'byed-pa).

Notes

↑ Conze, The Prajnaparamita Literature (The Hague: Mouton, 1960), 72.
↑ Peter Skilling, Mahasutras, volume I, Pali Text Society.] Retrieved September 18, 2008.
↑ R.A. Stein, Tibetan Civilization, translated by J. E. Stapleton Driver (Stanford University Press, 1972).
↑ ^4.0 ^4.1 Giuseppe Tucci, The Religions of Tibet (University of California Press, 1980).
↑ Christmas Humphries, A Popular Dictionary of Buddhism (London: Arco Publications, 1962).
↑ Helmut Eimer, Location List for the Texts in the Microfiche Edition of the Phug brag Kanjur (International Institute for Buddhist Studies, 1993).

References
ISBN links support NWE through referral fees

Coleman, Graham (ed.). 1993. A Handbook of Tibetan Culture. Boston: Shambhala Publications, Inc. ISBN 1-57062-002-4.
Conze, Edward. 2000. The Prajnaparamita Literature. Munshiram Manoharlal Publishers. ISBN 978-8121509923.
Eimer, Helmut. Location List for the Texts in the Microfiche Edition of the Phug brag Kanjur. International Institute for Buddhist Studies, 1993. ISBN 978-4906267323.
Ringu Tulku. 2006. The Ri-Me Philosophy of Jamgon Kongtrul the Great: A Study of the Buddhist Lineages of Tibet. Random House. ISBN 1590302869 ISBN 9781590302866.
Smith, E. Gene. 2001. Among Tibetan Texts: History and Literature of the Himalayan Plateau. Boston: Wisdom Publications. ISBN 0-86171-179-3.
Stein, R.A. 1962. Tibetan Civilization. Stanford University Press. ISBN 0-8047-0901-7.
Tucci, Giuseppe. 1970. The Religions of Tibet. University of California Press. ISBN 0-520-064348-1.
Wallace, B. Alan. 1993. Tibetan Buddhism From the Ground Up: A Practical Approach for Modern Life. Wisdom Publications. ISBN 0861710754.
Yeshe, Lama Thubten. 2001. The Essence of Tibetan Buddhism. Lama Yeshe Wisdom Archive. ISBN 1-891868-08-X.

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[1] Conze, The Prajnaparamita Literature (The Hague: Mouton, 1960), 72.

[2] Peter Skilling, Mahasutras, volume I, Pali Text Society.] Retrieved September 18, 2008.

[3] R.A. Stein, Tibetan Civilization, translated by J. E. Stapleton Driver (Stanford University Press, 1972).

[tucci-4] 4.0 ^4.1 Giuseppe Tucci, The Religions of Tibet (University of California Press, 1980).

[5] Christmas Humphries, A Popular Dictionary of Buddhism (London: Arco Publications, 1962).

[6] Helmut Eimer, Location List for the Texts in the Microfiche Edition of the Phug brag Kanjur (International Institute for Buddhist Studies, 1993).

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+{{Approved}}{{Submitted}}{{Images OK}}{{copyedited}}
 [[Image:Woodblock printing, Sera, 1993.JPG|thumb|right|300px|[[Woodblock printing]] of scriptures. [[Sera Monastery]], Tibet. 1993.]]
-The [[Tibetan Buddhist canon]] is a loosely defined list of sacred texts recognized by various schools of [[Tibetan Buddhism]], made up of the '''Kangyur''' or '''Kanjur''' ('The Translation of the Word') and the '''Tengyur''' or '''Tanjur''' ('Translation of Treatises').
+The '''Kangyur,''' also known as '''Kanjur''' ([[Tibetan]] meaning: "The Translation of the Word"), is one of the two major divisions of the [[Tibetan Buddhism|Tibetan Buddhist]] [[canon]] along with the '''Tengyur''' ("Translation of Treatises"). This twofold classification of Tibetan scriptures became normative by the fourteenth century through the work of [[Sakya]] master [[Buton Rinchen Drub]], the 11th [[Abbot]] of [[Shalu Monastery]] (1290-1364).
-==The Tibetan Buddhist Canon==
+The Tibetan Buddhist canon consists of a loosely defined list of [[Scripture|sacred text]]s recognized by the various Tibetan sects and schools. In addition to texts from early Buddhist and [[Mahayana]] sources, the canon also includes [[Vajrayana|tantric]] texts. However, the distinction between sutra and tantra is not rigid. For example, in some editions the tantra section includes the [[Heart Sutra]]<ref>Conze, ''The Prajnaparamita Literature'' (The Hague: Mouton, 1960), 72.</ref> and even Pali texts such as the ''Mahasutras.''<ref>Peter Skilling, [http://www.palitext.com ''Mahasutras,'' volume I,] Pali Text Society.] Retrieved September 18, 2008.</ref> Additionally, the Tibetan canon includes foundational Buddhist texts from the [[Sarvastivada]].
-The '''Tibetan Buddhist canon''' is a loosely defined list of [[sacred text]]s recognized by various sects of [[Tibetan Buddhism]].  In addition to sutrayana texts from [[Early Buddhism|Early Buddhist]] (mostly [[Sarvastivada]]) and [[Mahayana]] sources, the Tibetan canon includes [[Vajrayana|tantric]] texts.<ref>Tibetan: ''rgyud''. The distinction between sutra and tantra is not rigid. For example, in some editions the tantra section includes the [[Heart Sutra]] (Cf. Conze, ''The Prajnaparamita Literature'', Mouton, the Hague, 1960, page 72.) and even versions of texts in the [[Pali Canon]] (''Mahasutras'', Peter Skilling, Pali Text Society, volume I, page xxiv. The abbreviation DN there is given in the author's list, page xv, as [[Digha Nikaya]], which is part of the Pali Canon.)</ref>
+{{toc}}
+The Kangyur represents a significant development in the crystalization of Tibetan scriptures because it provided textual cohesion and classification to the Tibetan corpus, whose texts were frequently imported by oral transmission. Thus, the Kangyur allowed the various Buddhist schools in Tibet to use an indigenous yardstick to discuss scriptures among their traditions.
-The Tibetan Canon underwent a final compilation in the 14th century  by Bu-ston (1290–1364). The Tibetans did not have a formally arranged Mahayana canon and so devised their own scheme which divided texts into two broad categories:
+==Origins==
+The first use of the term Kangyur in [[Tibetan Buddhism]] is not known. Collections of canonical Buddhist texts already existed in the time of [[Trisong Detsen]], the sixth king of Tubo, in Spiti, who ruled from 755 until 797 C.E. However, it was not until the fourteenth century, when the formalization of the Tibetan canon's two divisions was compiled by by Bu-ston (1290–1364).
-#[[Kangyur]] ({{bo|w=bka'-'gyur}}) or "Translated  Words", consists of works supposed to have been said by the Buddha himself. All texts presumably have a Sanskrit original, although in many cases the Tibetan text was translated from Chinese or other languages.
+==Description ==
-#[[Tengyur]] ({{bo|w=bstan-'gyur}}) or "Translated Treatises" is the section to which were assigned commentaries, treatises and abhidharma works (both Mahayana and non-Mahayana). The Tengyur contains 3626 texts in 224 Volumes.
+The Tibetans devised their own formally arranged canon of Buddhist scriptures, which they divided texts into two broad categories:
-The Kangyur is divided into sections on [[Vinaya]], Perfection of Wisdom Sutras, Avatamsaka, Ratnakuta and other sutras (75% [[Mahayana]], 25% [[Nikaya]] / [[Agama (text)|Agama]] or [[Hinayana]]), and [[tantra]]s.  When exactly the term Kangyur was first used is not known. Collections of canonical Buddhist texts already existed in the time of [[Trisong Detsen]], the sixth king of [[Tibet]].
+#[[Kangyur]] ({{bo|w=bka'-'gyur}}) or "Translated  Words," consists of works, in about 108 volumes, supposed to have been said by the Buddha himself. All texts presumably had a Sanskrit original, although in many cases the Tibetan text was translated from Chinese or other languages.
+#'''Tengyur''' ({{bo|w=bstan-'gyur}}) or "Translated Treatises" is the section to which were assigned commentaries, treatises and abhidharma works (both Mahayana and non-Mahayana). The Tengyur contains 3626 texts in 224 Volumes.
-The exact number of texts in the Kangyur is not fixed. Each editor takes responsibility for removing texts he considers spurious or adding new translations. Currently there are about 12 available Kangyurs.  These include the Derge, Lhasa, Narthang, Cone, Peking, Urga, Phudrak, and Stog Palace versions, each named after the physical location of its printing or copying in the case of manuscripts editions. In addition some canonical texts have been found in Tabo and Dunhuang which provide earlier exemplars to texts found in the Kangyur. The majority of extant Kangyur editions appear to stem from the so-called Old Narthang Kangyur, though the Phukdrak and Tawang editions are thought to lie outside of that textual lineage. The stemma of the Kangyur have been well researched in particular by [[Helmut Eimer]] and Paul Harrison.
+"The Kangyur usually takes up a hundred or a hundred and eight volumes, the Tengyur two hundred and twenty-five, and the two together contain 4,569 works."<ref>R.A. Stein, ''Tibetan Civilization,'' translated by J. E. Stapleton Driver (Stanford University Press, 1972).</ref>
-== Exoteric or Sutra tradition ==
+The Kangyur is divided into sections on [[Vinaya]], [[Perfection of Wisdom|Perfection of Wisdom]] Sutras, other [[Buddhist texts|sutra]]s (75 percent Mahayana, 25 percent [[Nikaya|Nikayan]] or [[Hinayana]]), and [[tantra]]s. It includes texts on the Vinaya, monastic discipline, metaphysics, the Tantras, etc.<ref name=tucci>Giuseppe Tucci, ''The Religions of Tibet'' (University of California Press, 1980).</ref> Some describe the [[prajñāpāramitā]] philosophy, others extol the virtues of the various [[Bodhisattva]]s, while others expound the [[Trikaya|Trikāya]] and the [[Ālaya-Vijñāna]] doctrines.<ref>Christmas Humphries, ''A Popular Dictionary of Buddhism'' (London: Arco Publications, 1962).</ref>
-In the Tibetan tradition, some collections of teachings and practices are held in greater secrecy than others. The sutra tradition comprises works said to be derived from the public teachings of the Buddha, and is taught widely and publicly. The esoteric tradition of [[tantra]] (below) is generally only shared in more intimate settings with those students who the teacher feels have the capacity to utilize it well.
+The exact number of texts in the Kangyur is not fixed. Each editor takes responsibility for removing texts he considers spurious or adding new translations. Currently there are about twelve Kangyurs. These include the Derge, Lhasa, Narthang, Cone, Peking, Urga, Phudrak, and Stog Palace versions, each named after the physical location of its printing or copying in the case of manuscripts editions. In addition, some canonical texts have been found in Tabo and Dunhuang, which provide earlier texts found in the Kangyur. The majority of extant Kangyur editions appear to stem from the so-called Old Narthang Kangyur, though the Phukdrak and Tawang editions are thought to lie outside of that textual lineage. The stemma of the Kangyur have been well researched in particular by Helmut Eimer and Paul Harrison.<ref>Helmut Eimer, ''Location List for the Texts in the Microfiche Edition of the Phug brag Kanjur'' (International Institute for Buddhist Studies, 1993).</ref>
-=== Important Indian scholars ===
+The [[Bon]] religion also has its canon literature divided into two sections called the Kangyur and Tengyur claimed to have been translated from foreign languages but the number and contents of the collection are not yet fully known. Apparently, Bon began to take on a literary form about the time Buddhism began to enter Tibet. The Bon Kangyur contains the revelations of [[Shenrab]] (Wylie: gShen rab), the traditional founder of Bon.<ref name=tucci/>
-==== Two Supremes ====
-* [[Asanga]] founder of the [[Yogacara|Yogachara school]]
+==Five traditional topics of study==
-* [[Nagarjuna]] founder of the [[madhyamika|Madhyamaka school]]<ref>http://www.sakya.org/News%20Letters/Sakya%20Newsletter%20Summer%202007.pdf</ref><ref>Kalu Rinpoche, ''Luminous Mind: The Way of the Buddha''. Wisdom Publications,1997. p. 285 <sup>http://books.google.com/books?id=eWVgoVByVhcC&pg=PA285&lpg=PA285&dq=%22two+supremes%22+nagarjuna&source=web&ots=g3PMaucUAA&sig=a97JqzX4462vDLLm8gI6nrNvwKA</sup></ref><ref>[http://transponent.typepad.com/tashideleg/2005/02/enlightened_mas.html Tashi Deleg! The Padma Samye Ling Bulletin, ''Enlightened Masters: Arya Asanga''<!-- Bot generated title —>]</ref>
+All four schools of Tibetan Buddhism generally follow a similar curriculum, using the same Indian root texts and commentaries. The further Tibetan commentaries they use differ by school, although since the 19th century appearance of the widely renowned scholars Jamgon Kongtrul and Ju Mipham, Kagyupas and Nyingmapas use many of the same Tibetan commentaries as well. Different schools, however, place emphasis and concentrate attention on different areas.
-==== Six Scholarly Ornaments====
-* [[Aryadeva]] foremost disciple of Nagarjuna, continued the philosophical school of [[Madhyamika]]
-* [[Dharmakirti]] famed logician, author of the ''Seven Treatises''; student of Dignana's student Ishvarasena; said to have debated famed Hindu scholar [[Shankara]]
-* [[Dignaga]] famed logician
-* [[Vasubandhu]], Asanga's brother
-* [[Gunaprabha]] foremost student of Vasubandhu, known for his work the ''Vinayasutra''
-* [[Sakyaprabha]] prominent exponent of the [[Vinaya]]
-==== Seventeen Great Panditas ====
-References are sometimes made to the ''Seventeen Great Panditas.''  This formulation groups the eight listed above with the following nine scholars.
-* [[Atisha|Atiśa]] holder of the “[[lojong|mind training]]” (Tib. ''lojong'') teachings
-* [[Bhavaviveka]] early expositor of the [[svatantrika|Svatantrika Madhyamika]]
-* [[Buddhapalita]] early expositor of the [[prasangika|Prasangika Madhyamika]]
-* [[Chandrakirti]] considered the greatest exponent of Prasangika Madhyamika
-* [[Haribhadra]] commentator on Asanga's ''Ornament of Clear Realization''
-* [[Kamalashila]] 8th-century author of important texts on meditation
-* [[Shantarakshita]] abbot of [[Nalanda]], founder of the [[Yogachara-Madhyamika]] who helped [[Padmasambhava]] establish Buddhism in Tibet
-* [[Shantideva]] (8th century [[India]]n) author of the ''[[Bodhicaryavatara]]''
-* [[Vimuktisena]] commentator on Asanga's ''Ornament of Clear Realization''
-===Five traditional topics of study===
-All four schools of Tibetan Buddhism generally follow a similar curriculum, using the same Indian root texts and commentaries. The further Tibetan commentaries they use differ by school, although since the 19th century appearance of the widely renowned scholars [[Jamgon Kongtrul]] and Ju [[Mipham]], Kagyupas and Nyingmapas use many of the same Tibetan commentaries as well. Different schools, however, place emphasis and concentrate attention on different areas.
 The exoteric study of Buddhism is generally organized into "Five Topics," listed as follows with the primary Indian source texts for each:
-# '''[[Abhidharma]]''' (Higher Knowledge, Tib. wylie: ''mdzod'')
+# '''[[Abhidharma]]''' (Higher Knowledge, Tib. wylie: ''mdzod'').
-#* ''Compendium of Higher Knowledge (Abhidharma Samuccaya)'' by [[Asanga]]
+#* ''Compendium of Higher Knowledge (Abhidharma Samuccaya)'' by [[Asanga]].
-#* ''Treasury of Higher Knowledge (Abhidharma Kosha)'' by [[Vasubandhu]]
+#* ''Treasury of Higher Knowledge (Abhidharma Kosha)'' by [[Vasubandhu]].
-# '''[[Perfection of Wisdom|Prajna Paramita]]''' (Perfection of Wisdom, Tib. wylie: ''phar-phyin'')
+# '''[[Perfection of Wisdom|Prajna Paramita]]''' (Perfection of Wisdom, Tib. wylie: ''phar-phyin'').
-#* ''Ornament of Clear Realization (Abhisamaya Alankara'') by [[Maitreya]] as related to Asanga
+#* ''Ornament of Clear Realization (Abhisamaya Alankara'') by [[Maitreya]] as related to Asanga.
-#* ''The Way of the Bodhisattva (Bodhicharyavatara,'' Tib. wylie: ''sPyod-‘jug)'' by [[Shantideva]]
+#* ''The Way of the Bodhisattva (Bodhicharyavatara,'' Tib. wylie: ''sPyod-‘jug)'' by [[Shantideva]].
-# '''[[Madhyamaka]]''' (Middle Way, Tib. wylie:'' dbu-ma'')
+# '''[[Madhyamika]]''' (Middle Way, Tib. wylie:'' dbu-ma'').
-#* ''Fundamental Wisdom of the Middle Way (Mulamadhyamakakarika,'' Tib. wylie: ''rTsa dbu-ma)'' by [[Nagarjuna]]
+#* ''Fundamental Wisdom of the Middle Way (Mulamadhyamakakarika,'' Tib. wylie: ''rTsa dbu-ma)'' by [[Nagarjuna]].
-#* ''Four Hundred Verses on the Yogic Deeds of Bodhisattvas (Catuhsataka)'' by [[Aryadeva]]
+#* ''Four Hundred Verses on the Yogic Deeds of Bodhisattvas (Catuhsataka)'' by [[Aryadeva]].
-#* ''Introduction to the Middle Way (Madhyamakavatara,’’ Tib. wylie: ‘’dBu-ma-la ‘Jug-pa)'' by [[Chandrakirti]]
+#* ''Introduction to the Middle Way (Madhyamakavatara,’’ Tib. wylie: ‘’dBu-ma-la ‘Jug-pa)'' by [[Chandrakirti]].
-#* ''Ornament of the Middle Way (Madhyamakalamkara)'' by [[Shantarakshita]]
+#* ''Ornament of the Middle Way (Madhyamakalamkara)'' by [[Shantarakshita]].
-#* ''The Way of the Bodhisattva (Bodhicharyavatara,'' Tib. wylie: ''sPyod-‘jug)'' by Shantideva
+#* ''The Way of the Bodhisattva (Bodhicharyavatara,'' Tib. wylie: ''sPyod-‘jug)'' by Shantideva.
-# '''[[Pramana]]''' (Logic, Means of Knowing, Tib. wylie: ''tshad-ma'')
+# '''[[Pramana]]''' (Logic, Means of Knowing, Tib. wylie: ''tshad-ma'').
-#* ''Treatise on Valid Cognition (Pramanavarttika)'' by [[Dharmakirti]]
+#* ''Treatise on Valid Cognition (Pramanavarttika)'' by [[Dharmakirti]].
-#* ''Compendium on Valid Cognition'' (''Pramanasamuccaya'') by [[Dignaga]]
+#* ''Compendium on Valid Cognition'' ''(Pramanasamuccaya)'' by [[Dignaga]].
-# '''[[Vinaya]]''' (Vowed Morality, Tib. wylie: ''<nowiki>'</nowiki>dul-ba'')
+# '''[[Vinaya]]''' (Vowed Morality, Tib. wylie: ''<nowiki>'</nowiki>dul-ba'').
-#* ''The Root of the Vinaya (Dülwa Do Tsawa, 'dul-ba mdo rtsa-ba)'' by the [[Pandita Gunaprabha]]
+#* ''The Root of the Vinaya (Dülwa Do Tsawa, 'dul-ba mdo rtsa-ba)'' by the [[Pandita Gunaprabha]].
-=== Five treatises of Maitreya ===
-Also of great importance are the "Five Treatises of Maitreya."  These texts are said to have been related to [[Asanga]] by the Buddha [[Maitreya]], and comprise the heart of the [[Yogacara]] (or ''Cittamatra'', "Mind-Only") school of philosophy in which all Tibetan Buddhist scholars are well-versed. They are as follows:
-* Ornament for Clear Realization (''[[Abhisamaya-alamkara|Abhisamayalankara]],'' Tib. ''mngon-par rtogs-pa'i rgyan'')
-* Ornament for the Mahayana Sutras (''[[Mahayana-sutra-alamkara-karika|Mahayanasutralankara]],'' Tib. ''theg-pa chen-po'i mdo-sde'i rgyan'')
-* Sublime Continuum of the Mahayana (''Mahayanottaratantrashastra, [[Ratna-gotra-vibhaga|Ratnagotravibhaga]],'' Tib. ''theg-pa chen-po rgyud-bla-ma'i bstan'')
-* Distinguishing Phenomena and Pure Being (''[[Dharma-dharmata-vibhaga|Dharmadharmatavibhanga]],'' Tib. ''chos-dang chos-nyid rnam-par 'byed-pa'')
-* Distinguishing the Middle and the Extremes (''[[Madhyanta-vibhaga-karika|Madhyantavibhanga]],'' Tib. ''dbus-dang mtha' rnam-par 'byed-pa'')
-A commentary on the ''Ornament for Clear Realization'' called ''Clarifying the Meaning'' by the Indian scholar [[Haribhadra]] is often used, as is one by Vimuktisena.
-==Esoteric or Tantra tradition==
-===Tantra categorization by the Ancient Translation School===
-The division used by the [[Nyingma]] or Ancient school:
-* Three Outer Tantras:
-** Kriyayoga
-** Charyayoga
-** Yogatantra
-* Three Inner Tantras, which correspond to the Anuttarayogatantra:
-** [[Mahayoga]]
-** [[Anuyoga]]
-** [[Atiyoga]] (Tib. ''[[Dzogchen]]'')
-*** The practice of Atiyoga is further divided into three classes: Mental [[Semde|SemDe]], Spatial [[Longde|LongDe]], and Esoteric Instructional [[Mengagde|MenNgagDe]].
-===Tantra categorization by the New Translation School===
-The [[Sarma]] or New Translation schools of Tibetan Buddhism ([[Gelug]], [[Sakya]], and [[Kagyu]])  divide the Tantras into four hierarchical categories, namely,
-* [[Kriyayoga]]
-* [[Charyayoga]]
-* [[Yogatantra]]
-* [[Highest Yoga Tantra|Anuttarayogatantra]]
-** further divided into "mother", "father" and "non-dual" tantras.
-====Mother Tantra====
-"The ''Yoginī Tantra''s correspond to what later Tibetan commentators termed the "Mother Tantras" (''ma rgyud'')" (''CST'', p. 5).
-====Father Tantra====
-In the earlier scheme of classification, the "class ... "Yoga Tantras," ... includes tantras such as the ''Guhyasamāja''", later "classified as "Father Tantras" (''pha rgyud'') ... placed in the ultimate class ... "Unexcelled Yoga tanras" (''rnal 'byor bla med kyi rgyud'')." (''CST'', p. 5)
-====Nondual Tantra or [[Advaya]] Class====
-*[[Manjushri-nama-samgiti]]
-*[[Kalachakra Laghutantra]]
-In addition to earlier foundational Buddhist texts from early Buddhist schools, mostly the [[Sarvastivada]], and [[Mahayana]] texts, the Tibetan canon includes [[Vajrayana|Tantric]] texts. The last category is not always sharply distinguished from the others: the tantra division sometimes includes material usually not thought of as tantric in other traditions, such as the [[Heart Sutra]]<ref>Conze, ''The Prajnaparamita Literature''</ref> and even versions of material found in the [[Pali Canon]].<ref>Peter Skilling, ''Mahasutras'', volume I, 1994, [[Pali Text Society]][http://www.palitext.com], Lancaster, page xxiv </ref>
-The Tibetan Canon underwent a final compilation in 14th Century by [[Buton Rinchen|Bu-ston]] (1290-1364). The Tibetans did not have a formally arranged Mahayana canon and so devised their own scheme which divided texts into two broad categories, the "Words of the Buddha" and later the commentaries; respectively the Kangyur and [[Tengyur]]. "The Kangyur usually takes up a hundred or a hundred and eight volumes, the Tengyur two hundred and twenty-five, and the two together contain 4,569 works."<ref>Stein, R. A. ''Tibetan Civilization''. (1962). First English edition - translated by J. E. Stapleton Driver (1972). Reprint (1972): Stanford University Press, Stanford, California. ISBN 0-8047-0806-1 (cloth); ISBN 0-8047-0901-7 (paper)</ref><ref>Stein, R. A. ''Tibetan Civilization''. (1962). First English edition - translated by J. E. Stapleton Driver (1972). Reprint (1972): Stanford University Press, Stanford, California, p. 251. ISBN 0-8047-0806-1 (cloth); ISBN 0-8047-0901-7 (paper)</ref>
-*Kangyur (Wylie: Bka'-'gyur) or "Translated Words" consists of works in about 108 volumes supposed to have been spoken by the Buddha himself. All texts presumably had a Sanskrit original, although in many cases the Tibetan text was translated from Chinese or other languages.
-*Tengyur (Wylie: Bstan-'gyur) or "Translated Treatises" is the section to which were assigned commentaries, treatises and [[abhidharma]] works (both Mahayana and non-Mahayana). The Tengyur contains around 3,626 texts in 224 Volumes.
-The Kangyur is divided into sections on [[Vinaya]], [[Perfection of Wisdom|Perfection of Wisdom]] Sutras, other [[Buddhist texts|sutra]]s (75% Mahayana, 25% [[Nikaya|Nikayan]] or [[Hinayana]]), and [[tantra]]s. It includes texts on the [[Vinaya]], monastic discipline, metaphysics, the [[Tantra]]s, etc.<ref>Tucci, Giuseppe. ''The Religions of Tibet''. (1970). First English edition, translated by Geoffrey Samuel (1980). Reprint: (1988), University of California Press, p. 259, n. 10. ISBN 0-520-03856-8 (cloth); ISBN 0-520-064348-1 (pbk).</ref> Some describe the [[prajñāpāramitā]] philosophy, others extol the virtues of the various [[Bodhisattva]]s, while others expound the [[Trikāya]] and the [[Ālaya-Vijñāna]] doctrines.<ref>Humphries, Christmas. ''A Popular Dictionary of Buddhism'', p. 104. (1962) Arco Publications, London.</ref>
-When exactly the term Kangyur was first used is not known. Collections of canonical Buddhist texts existed already in the time of [[Trisong Detsen]], the sixth king of [[Tubo]], in [[Spiti]], who ruled from 755 until 797C.E.
-The exact number of texts in the Kangyur is not fixed, each editor takes responsibility for removing texts he considers spurious, and adding new translations. Currently there are about 12 available versions of the Kangyur. These include the Derge, Lhasa, Narthang, Cone, Peking, Ugra, Phudrak, and Stog Palace versions, each named after the physical location of its printing. In addition some canonical texts have been found in Tabo and Dunhuang which provide earlier exemplars to texts found in the Kangyur. All extant Kangyur appear to stem from the Old [[Narthang Monastery]] Kangyur. The stemma of the Kangyur have been well researched in particular by Helmut Eimer.
-==The Bon Kangyur==
+In the Tibetan tradition, some collections of teachings and practices are held in greater secrecy than others. The sutra tradition comprises works said to be derived from the public teachings of the Buddha, and is taught widely and publicly. The esoteric tradition of [[tantra]] is generally only shared in more intimate settings with those students who the teacher feels have the capacity to utilize it well. Included among these, and of great importance, are the "Five Treatises of Maitreya."  These texts are said to have been related to [[Asanga]] by the Buddha [[Maitreya]], and comprise the heart of the [[Yogacara]] (or ''Cittamatra'', "Mind-Only") school of philosophy in which all Tibetan Buddhist scholars are well-versed. They are as follows:
-The Tibetan [[Bon]] religion also has its canon literature divided into two sections called the Kangyur and Tengyur claimed to have been translated from foreign languages but the number and contents of the collection are not yet fully known. Apparently, Bon began to take on a literary form about the time Buddhism began to enter Tibet. The Bon Kangyur contains the revelations of [[Shenrab]] (Wylie: gShen rab, the traditional founder of Bon.<ref>Tucci, Giuseppe. ''The Religions of Tibet''. (1970). First English edition, translated by Geoffrey Samuel (1980). Reprint: (1988), University of California Press, p. 213. ISBN 0-520-03856-8 (cloth); ISBN 0-520-064348-1 (pbk).</ref><ref>Stein, R. A. ''Tibetan Civilization''. (1962). First English edition - translated by J. E. Stapleton Driver (1972). Reprint (1972): Stanford University Press, Stanford, California, pp. 241, 251. ISBN 0-8047-0806-1 (cloth); ISBN 0-8047-0901-7 (paper)</ref>
+* Ornament for Clear Realization (''Abhisamayalankara,'' Tib. ''mngon-par rtogs-pa'i rgyan'').
+* Ornament for the Mahayana Sutras (''Mahayanasutralankara,'' Tib. ''theg-pa chen-po'i mdo-sde'i rgyan'').
+* Sublime Continuum of the Mahayana (''Mahayanottaratantrashastra, Ratnagotravibhaga,'' Tib. ''theg-pa chen-po rgyud-bla-ma'i bstan'').
+* Distinguishing Phenomena and Pure Being (''Dharmadharmatavibhanga,'' Tib. ''chos-dang chos-nyid rnam-par 'byed-pa'').
+* Distinguishing the Middle and the Extremes (Madhyantavibhanga,'' Tib. ''dbus-dang mtha' rnam-par 'byed-pa'').
 ==Notes==
-{{Reflist}}
+<references/>
 == References ==
-* Coleman, Graham, ed. 1993. ''A Handbook of Tibetan Culture''. Boston: Shambhala Publications, Inc.. ISBN 1-57062-002-4
+* Coleman, Graham (ed.). 1993. ''A Handbook of Tibetan Culture''. Boston: Shambhala Publications, Inc. ISBN 1-57062-002-4.
-*Ringu Tulku. 2006. ''The Ri-Me Philosophy of Jamgon Kongtrul the Great: A Study of the Buddhist Lineages of Tibet.'' Distributed in the United States by Random House. ISBN 1590302869 ISBN 9781590302866
+* Conze, Edward. 2000. ''The Prajnaparamita Literature.'' Munshiram Manoharlal Publishers. ISBN 978-8121509923.
-* Smith, E. Gene. 2001. ''Among Tibetan Texts: History and Literature of the Himalayan Plateau.'' Boston: Wisdom Publications. ISBN 0-86171-179-3
+* Eimer, Helmut. ''Location List for the Texts in the Microfiche Edition of the Phug brag Kanjur.'' International Institute for Buddhist Studies, 1993. ISBN 978-4906267323.
-* Wallace, B. Alan. 1993. ''Tibetan Buddhism From the Ground Up: A Practical Approach for Modern Life''. Wisdom Publications. ISBN 0861710754 ISBN 978-0861710751
+* Ringu Tulku. 2006. ''The Ri-Me Philosophy of Jamgon Kongtrul the Great: A Study of the Buddhist Lineages of Tibet.'' Random House. ISBN 1590302869 ISBN 9781590302866.
-* Yeshe, Lama Thubten. 2001. ''The Essence of Tibetan Buddhism.'' Lama Yeshe Wisdom Archive. ISBN 1-891868-08-X
+* Smith, E. Gene. 2001. ''Among Tibetan Texts: History and Literature of the Himalayan Plateau.'' Boston: Wisdom Publications. ISBN 0-86171-179-3.
+* Stein, R.A. 1962. ''Tibetan Civilization.'' Stanford University Press. ISBN 0-8047-0901-7.
+* Tucci, Giuseppe. 1970. ''The Religions of Tibet.'' University of California Press. ISBN 0-520-064348-1.
+* Wallace, B. Alan. 1993. ''Tibetan Buddhism From the Ground Up: A Practical Approach for Modern Life''. Wisdom Publications. ISBN 0861710754.
+* Yeshe, Lama Thubten. 2001. ''The Essence of Tibetan Buddhism.'' Lama Yeshe Wisdom Archive. ISBN 1-891868-08-X.
-== External links ==
-* [http://www.tbrc.org/ The Tibetan Buddhist Resource Center] Retrieved September 18, 2008.
-* [http://www.buddhanet.net/e-learning/history/s_tibcanon.htm Tibetan Canon] Retrieved September 18, 2008.
-* [http://www.asianclassics.org/research_site/index.html Asian Classics Input Project] Retrieved September 18, 2008.
-* [http://www.tbrc.org/index.xq The Tibetan Buddhist Resource Center Digital Library](Tibetan buddhist texts) Retrieved September 18, 2008.
-* [http://lotsawahouse.org Lotsawa House Translations of Tibetan Buddhist texts] Retrieved September 18, 2008.
-* [http://www.rinpoche.com/palttc.html Overview of typical Kagyu shedra curriculum] Retrieved September 18, 2008.
-* [http://jbe.gold.ac.uk/12/edelglass-review.pdf Review of ''The Sound of Two Hands Clapping: The Education of a Tibetan Buddhist Monk''] Retrieved September 18, 2008.
-* [http://www.asianclassics.org/research_site/release4/kangyur.html The Kangyur Collection] Retrieved September 18, 2008.
 [[Category: Philosophy and religion]]