The Kanjur, a compilation of the profound teachings of Buddha, holds a distinguished position as one of the primary canonical scriptures in Tibetan Buddhism. Its counterpart, the Tenjur, comprises commentaries composed by esteemed Indian scholars. The Kanjur is often divided into the Tripitaka or Three Baskets, or classified into three sets of teachings delivered by the Buddha called the Three Wheels of Dharma. The volume count within the Kanjur collection may vary depending on the version and edition. Notably, the Trashigang Kanjur is comprised of 109 volumes presented in a loose poti format. Each of these volumes is meticulously inscribed with uchen script in black ink on cream-colored Bhutanese handmade paper. While the first page serves as a canvas for a central illustration portraying Buddha, the second page intricately depicts the previous lives of Buddha Shakyamuni and a stupa along the margins. Preserved as a sacred relic, the Trashigang Kanjur finds its sanctuary within the Lama Lhakhang of the Dzong fortress. Nestled on traditional bookshelves, it is enveloped in layers of cloth and shielded by two wooden boards, securely fastened with a string, symbolizing the reverence and care with which this spiritual treasure is safeguarded.
Extent: 109 volumes of manuscripts.
Condition of original material: Dispite the primary pages of the Kanjur remain in good condition, most of the volumes have suffered partial damage from worms along the margins on all four sides.
Arrangement: The organizational structure of the Trashigang Kanjur remains undisclosed, as the narrative account of the Kanjur does not mention its order. 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 Trashigang Kanjur is presented in a well-organized manner, faithfully adhering to the foundational principles of the Thempangma lineage.
Alternative calendar and date: Tibetan, Iron Snake Year
Author(s)/Creator(s): According to the Narrative Account embedded in the Kanjur collection, the inception of Trashigang Kanjur is ascribed to the Iron Snake Year, corresponding to 1701 in the Gregorian Calendar. The credit for its creation is given to Umze Damcho Rabgay (dbu mdzad dam chos rab rgyas), the founder of Trashigang Dzong, and Kudrung Tenzin (sku drung bstan 'dzin), a native of Zhongkar Dzong. However, the specific role of Kudrung Tenzin, whether he held the position of Zhongar Dzongpon or Trashigang Dzongpon, remains unclear. Over 140 craftsmen, under the supervision of Ngawang Tenzin, participated in the Kanjur project, successfully completing it within eight months. However, the sutra section was created in the Iron Tiger Year, corresponding to 1710 in the Gregorian Calendar, a decade after the completion of the first Kanjur project. The previous version of the sutra is said to have been bestowed upon the King of Ladak. It is highly plausible that the sutra given to the King of Ladak is the one found in the Kanjur of Tog Palace. The Vinaya and Sutra section of Tog Palace Kanjur share similarities with the Trashigang Kanjur. They feature illustrations of Buddha on the opening page, a stupa, and the previous lives of Buddha on the second pages, while the Bum and Tantra section do not share the features. The subsequent project was undertaken under the supervision of Trashigang Dzongpon, named Khamsum Wangdue.
Scribe(s): As per the Narrative Account found within the Kanjur collection, one hundred and eight scribes, chosen as the finest from the four directions of the eastern Bhutan region, were involved in the initial project. Dorji from Monlamdung stood as the chief among them, responsible for inscribing the opening pages of all volumes. The Narrative Account includes a comprehensive list of all the scribes' names. Additionally, Dungkhar Lama was assigned the responsibility of crafting the miniatures in all volumes, while Gomchen Tsaura (sgom chen tsa'u ra), Ngawang Dargay (ngag dbang dar rgyas), and Gonpo Drukgay (mgon po 'brug rgyas) were entrusted with the task of drawing baseline and marginal lines on the folios. However, the sutra section of the Kanjur was given to the King of Ladak. Hence, another project had to intiate to creat sutra section. During that time, 121 scribes were involved but name of the scribes are not given.
Original institution reference: Kanjur.
