The Kanjur, a revered compilation of the Buddha’s profound teachings, holds an esteemed place as one of the principal canonical scriptures in Tibetan Buddhism. Complementing it is the Tenjur, a collection of commentaries authored by renowned Indian scholars. The Kanjur is traditionally organized into the Tripitaka or “Three Baskets” or categorized into the Three Wheels of Dharma, representing the Buddha’s successive stages of teachings. The number of volumes in the Kanjur varies across editions. The Talangkha Kanjur, for instance, comprises 109 volumes, preserved in the traditional poti format. Each volume is meticulously inscribed in uchen script, with black ink on cream-colored Bhutanese handmade paper forming the main body. The first pages are adorned with text written in gold ink on dark blue paper, accompanied by intricate miniature depictions of the Buddha on the right and left margins, showcasing the exceptional artistry and devotion dedicated to its creation. Safeguarded as a sacred relic, the Talangkha Kanjur is housed within the temple’s traditional wooden bookshelves. Each volume is carefully wrapped in layers of cloth, flanked by two wooden boards, and securely tied with a string. This meticulous preservation underscores the deep reverence accorded to this spiritual treasure, reflecting the enduring commitment to its protection and sanctity.
Extent: 109 volumes of manuscripts.
Arrangement: The organizational structure of the Talangkha Kanjur remains undisclosed, as it lacks a formal catalog. However, 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 divided into two primary sections: the Philosophical Vehicle and the Diamond Vehicle. Within the Philosophical Vehicle section, further divisions are made based on the Three Baskets of Buddhist teachings. In this comprehensive structure, the Vinaya section takes precedence, representing the Vinaya Pitaka. Following the Vinaya, the Sutra section unfolds, which includes the General Sutra, the Great Parinirvāṇa Sutra, the Ornament of Buddha, and the Heap of Jewels. Although this section predominantly features Mahayana sutras, it also includes texts from mainstream Buddhism. The Prajnaparamita section follows, representing the Abhidharma Pitaka. This section is subdivided into categories based on the length of the texts: One Hundred Thousand Lines, Twenty-Five Thousand Lines, Eighteen Thousand Lines, Ten Thousand Lines, and Eight Thousand Lines, along with concise texts on various Perfections of Wisdom. This structure reflects the expansive nature of these teachings. The Diamond Vehicle section comprises Tantra, which serves as the sacred scripture of Vajrayana. The tantric texts are arranged hierarchically, reflecting their importance and interrelationship. This systematic arrangement ensures that the Talangkha Kanjur is presented in a well-organized manner, faithfully adhering to the foundational principles of the Thempangma lineage.
Author(s)/Creator(s): A two-page narrative account of the creation of the Kanjur is enclosed with the last volume of the Tantra section. However, it does not provide specific details such as the date of creation or the names of all individuals involved. The sponsor of the Kanjur is identified as Dzongpon Ngawang Dargay, while the organizer is referred to as the abbot of Talangkha, though his exact name is not mentioned. The names of the scribes are recorded in their respective volumes. Based on this information, it is confirmed that the Kanjur was created at Talangkha, likely during the 18th century.
Original institution reference: Kanjur.
