The Kanjur, a revered collection of the Buddha’s teachings, stands as one of the foundational canonical scriptures in Tibetan Buddhism. Its counterpart, the Tenjur, contains commentaries by esteemed Indian scholars. Traditionally, the Kanjur is organized into the Tripitaka (Three Baskets) and classified into the Three Wheels of Dharma, symbolizing the progressive stages of the Buddha’s teachings. The Kanjur housed at Mongar Dzong consists of 109 volumes, presented in the traditional loose poti format. Each volume is meticulously inscribed in uchen script using black ink on cream-colored Bhutanese handmade paper. The first two pages of each volume feature intricate illustrations: the first page portrays the Buddha at the center, while the second page often depicts scenes from the previous lives of Buddha Shakyamuni and a stupa along the margins. An additional opening page, known as the tog, is exquisitely adorned with gold ink on dark blue paper, showcasing a central illustration of the Buddha. As a sacred relic, the Mongar Dzong Kanjur is enshrined within the Sangay Lhakhang of the Dzong fortress. Each volume is carefully preserved on traditional bookshelves, wrapped in protective layers of cloth, secured between wooden boards, and fastened with string. This meticulous preservation highlights the profound reverence and care dedicated to safeguarding this invaluable spiritual treasure.
Extent: 109 volumes of manuscripts.
Condition of original material: Despite the main pages of the Kanjur being in good condition, the majority of the volumes have suffered damage from worms at the four sides of their margins.
Arrangement: The organizational structure of the Zhongkar Kanjur remains undisclosed, as it lacks a formal catalog. Nevertheless, we have meticulously arranged it based on the system and order of the Kanjur described in the text found in the Gangteng Archive. This arrangement closely follows the structure of the Bhutanese Kanjur, identified as belonging to the Thempangma lineage, and aligns with the Kanjur catalogue composed by Pelden Gyatsho. According to the description, the Kanjur is categorized into the Philosophical Vehicle section and the Diamond Vehicle section, with the Philosophical Vehicle section further divided based on the Three Baskets. In this comprehensive organization, Vinaya takes precedence, representing the Vinaya Pitaka. Following Vinaya, the Sutra section unfolds, encompassing the General Sutra, the Great Parinirvāṇa Sutra, the Ornament of Buddha, and the Heap of Jewels. While this sutra section predominantly features Mahayana sutras, it's important to note that it also includes sutras from mainstream Buddhism. Subsequently, the Prajnaparamita assumes its place, representing the Abhidharma Pitaka. The Prajnaparamita section is further subdivided into One Hundred Thousand Lines, Twenty-Five Thousand Lines, Eighteen Thousand Lines, Ten Thousand Lines, Eight Thousand Lines, and concise texts on Various Perfections of Wisdom. This arrangement is dictated by the voluminous nature of these teachings. The Diamond Vehicle section encompasses Tantra, serving as the sacred scripture of Vajrayana or the Diamond Vehicle. The order of the Tantra is said to be arranged according to hierarchy. This methodical arrangement aims to present the Zhongkar Kanjur in a well-structured manner, adhering steadfastly to the foundational principles of the Thempangma lineage.
Author(s)/Creator(s): According to the Narrative Account of the Kanjur cited by Tenzin Dorji in his book Shar Phyogs kyi Rje Dpon Byung Rabs (“The Narrative Accounts of the Lords and Rulers in Eastern Bhutan”), the inception of the Kanjur is attributed to the Male Fire Year, corresponding to 1706 in the Gregorian calendar. Its creation is credited to Ngawang Peljor, the Zhongar Dzongpon (Governor of Zhongar Dzong), and the Treasurer, Ngawang Thinley, who are noted in the account to have been brothers. Regrettably, the original Narrative Account of the Kanjur has been lost, and its current whereabouts remain unknown. As a result, no information is available regarding the number of craftsmen involved, the specific processes employed during its creation, or the time it took to complete the project.
Scribe(s): As per the Narrative Account of the Kanjur Collection, one hundred and eight scribes, selected as the finest from the four directions of the eastern Bhutan region, were engaged in the initial project. Among them, Nidup from Chitshang served as the chief scribe, entrusted with the significant responsibility of inscribing the opening pages of all volumes.
Original institution reference: Kanjur.
