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The '''Tibetan Buddhist canon''' is a loosely defined list of sacred texts recognized by various sects of [[Tibetan Buddhism]].
'''Kham''' ([[khams]])


In addition to earlier foundational [[Buddhist]] texts from [[hinayana|early Buddhist]] schools, mostly the [[Sarvastivada]], and [[mahayana]] texts, the Tibetan canon includes [[Tantra|Tantric]] texts.
*Independent kingdoms east of [[Chamdo]], including [[Nangchen]], [[Derge]], [[Amdo]] and [[Golok]]; presently occupies parts of the TAR (Tibetan Autonomous Region), Yunnan, Qinghai and Sichuan provinces. It is known as eastern Tibet among non-Tibetans. [RY]
 
The Tibetan Canon underwent a final compilation in 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:
 
#Kanjur ([[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 languags.
#Tanjur ([[bstan 'gyur]]) or "Translated Treatises" is the section to which were assigned commentaries, treatises and abhidharma works (both Mahayana and non-Mahayana). The Tanjur contains 3626 texts in 224 Volumes.
 
The [[bka' 'gyur]] is divided into sections on [[Vinaya]], Perfection of Wisdom Sutras, other sutras (75% [[Mahayana]], 25% Early Wisdom Schools aka [[Hinayana]]), and [[tantra]]s. When exactly the term [[bka' 'gyur]] was first used is not known. Collections of canonical Buddhist texts existed already in the time of [[Khri srong ide rtsan]], the sixth king of [[Tubo]].
 
The exact number of texts in the [[bka' 'gyur]] is not fixed, each editor takes responsibility for removing texts he considers spurious, and adding new translations. Currently there are about 12 available [[bka' 'gyur]].  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 [[bka' 'gyur]]. All extant [[bka' 'gyur]]s appear to stem from the Old Narthang [[bka' 'gyur]]. The stemma of the [[bka' 'gyur]] have been well researched in particular by [[Helmut Eimer]]. 
 
== Exoteric tradition ==
 
In the Tibetan tradition, some collections of teachings and practices are held in greater secrecy than others. The sutra tradition is comprised of 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.
 
=== Important Indian scholars ===
 
==== Two Supremes ====
 
Two Indian Buddhist scholars are widely considered to be of paramount importance by Tibetan Buddhists. As such, they are referred to as the ''Two Supremes''.
 
* [[Asanga]] founder of the [[Yogacara|Yogachara school]]
* [[Nagarjuna]] founder of the [[Madhyamaka|Madhyamika school]]
 
==== Six Scholarly Ornaments ====
 
These scholars's works are of secondary importance to the Tibetan Buddhist canon.  As the ranking of their importance is not as universally recognized, there are occasionally substitutions made in this list.
 
* [[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]]
* [[Dignana]] famed logician
* [[Gunaprabha]] foremost student of Vasubandhu, known for his work the ''Vinayasutra''
* [[Sakyaprabha]] prominent expositor of the [[Vinaya]]
* [[Vasubandhu]] author of the [[Abhidharmakosha|''Abhidharmakosha'']]
 
==== 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]]
 
see [[canon|Text and Pages]]

Latest revision as of 07:00, 12 March 2006

Kham (khams)

  • Independent kingdoms east of Chamdo, including Nangchen, Derge, Amdo and Golok; presently occupies parts of the TAR (Tibetan Autonomous Region), Yunnan, Qinghai and Sichuan provinces. It is known as eastern Tibet among non-Tibetans. [RY]
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