Tengyur
Introduction
The Tengyur (Tibetan: བསྟན་འགྱུར, Wylie: bstan 'gyur) is an extensive collection of Tibetan Buddhist commentaries and treatises. It complements the Kangyur, which comprises the canonical texts attributed directly to the Buddha. The Tengyur, on the other hand, contains commentaries, treatises, and scholarly works by Indian and Tibetan masters, providing interpretations and elaborations on the teachings found in the Kangyur. This collection is crucial for understanding the development of Buddhist philosophy and practice in Tibet and offers insights into the historical and cultural exchanges between India and Tibet.
Historical Context
The compilation of the Tengyur began in the 8th century CE, during a period of significant cultural and religious exchange between India and Tibet. The introduction of Buddhism to Tibet is attributed to the efforts of Indian scholars such as Padmasambhava, Śāntarakṣita, and others who traveled to Tibet at the invitation of Tibetan kings. These scholars translated numerous Sanskrit texts into Tibetan, laying the foundation for the Tibetan Buddhist canon.
The process of translating and compiling the Tengyur continued over several centuries, reaching a significant milestone during the reign of King Trisong Detsen. The translation efforts were further institutionalized with the establishment of the Samye Monastery, which became a center for translation and scholarship. The Tengyur was finalized in its current form during the 14th century under the guidance of the Tibetan scholar Buton Rinchen Drub, who played a pivotal role in organizing and cataloging the texts.
Structure and Content
The Tengyur comprises approximately 3,626 texts, organized into several categories based on their content and subject matter. These categories include:
Commentaries
The largest section of the Tengyur consists of commentaries on the sutras and tantras found in the Kangyur. These commentaries, known as śāstras, were primarily written by Indian scholars such as Nagarjuna, Asanga, and Vasubandhu. They provide detailed expositions on the philosophical and doctrinal aspects of the Buddhist teachings, addressing various schools of thought within Buddhism, such as the Madhyamaka and Yogacara traditions.
Treatises
In addition to commentaries, the Tengyur includes independent treatises on a wide range of topics, including logic, epistemology, metaphysics, and ethics. These treatises reflect the diverse intellectual traditions that influenced Tibetan Buddhism and demonstrate the rigorous analytical approach adopted by Tibetan scholars.
Tantric Texts
The Tengyur also contains a significant number of texts related to Vajrayana Buddhism, including commentaries on tantric practices, rituals, and meditations. These texts provide detailed instructions on the esoteric practices central to Vajrayana, emphasizing the transformative potential of these practices for achieving enlightenment.
Translation and Compilation
The translation of the Tengyur was a monumental task that required the collaboration of Indian and Tibetan scholars. The translation process involved not only linguistic expertise but also a deep understanding of the philosophical and doctrinal nuances of the texts. The translators developed a standardized system for translating Sanskrit terms into Tibetan, ensuring consistency and accuracy across the translations.
The compilation of the Tengyur was guided by the principles of fidelity to the original texts and the preservation of the diverse intellectual traditions within Buddhism. The texts were carefully organized and cataloged, with detailed indices and cross-references to facilitate study and research.
Significance and Influence
The Tengyur is a testament to the rich intellectual and cultural exchanges between India and Tibet. It played a crucial role in the development of Tibetan Buddhism, providing the foundation for the philosophical and doctrinal frameworks that continue to shape Tibetan Buddhist thought and practice.
The Tengyur's influence extends beyond Tibet, as it has been studied and revered by scholars and practitioners worldwide. Its comprehensive collection of commentaries and treatises offers valuable insights into the historical development of Buddhist philosophy and the diverse interpretations of the Buddha's teachings.
Preservation and Modern Scholarship
Efforts to preserve and study the Tengyur have continued into the modern era, with numerous initiatives aimed at digitizing and translating the texts for wider accessibility. Scholars have undertaken critical editions of the Tengyur, comparing different manuscript versions and exploring the historical context of the texts.
The Tengyur remains a vital resource for scholars of Buddhism, providing a window into the intellectual and cultural history of Tibet and its interactions with the broader Buddhist world. Its study continues to inspire new interpretations and understandings of Buddhist philosophy and practice.