key term - Tengyur

Definition

Tengyur refers to a collection of Tibetan Buddhist texts that are primarily translations of Indian Buddhist scriptures, commentaries, and treatises. This body of work plays a critical role in preserving and transmitting the teachings of Buddhism in Tibet, highlighting the importance of both the original teachings and the interpretations that follow. Tengyur is often studied alongside the Kanjur, which contains the Buddha's words, emphasizing the collaborative nature of knowledge preservation within Tibetan Buddhism.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The tengyur is considered one of the two main collections of Tibetan Buddhist literature, with the other being the Kanjur.
2. It consists of over 200 volumes and includes translations from Sanskrit as well as original Tibetan compositions by prominent scholars.
3. Tengyur serves not only as a source for spiritual practice but also as an academic resource for studying Buddhist philosophy and teachings.
4. The compilation of tengyur was initiated during the reign of the Tibetan king Trisong Detsen in the 8th century, reflecting a concerted effort to preserve Buddhist knowledge.
5. Scholars such as Atisha and later Tibetan masters played significant roles in enriching the content of the tengyur through their commentaries and teachings.

Review Questions

• How does the tengyur complement the Kanjur in the context of Tibetan Buddhist literature?
  • The tengyur complements the Kanjur by providing a collection of commentaries and translations that elaborate on the teachings found in the Kanjur, which contains the direct words of the Buddha. Together, they form a comprehensive body of literature that supports practitioners in understanding both foundational teachings and their interpretations. The interplay between these two collections enriches Tibetan Buddhism, allowing for a deeper exploration of philosophy and practice.
• What role did historical figures like Atisha play in shaping the contents of the tengyur?
  • Historical figures like Atisha were pivotal in shaping the tengyur through their efforts to translate key texts from Sanskrit into Tibetan and provide commentaries that clarified complex ideas. Atisha’s work not only helped preserve crucial teachings but also influenced the development of Tibetan Buddhist practice by integrating Indian traditions with local beliefs. His contributions reflect how scholarly engagement enriched the tengyur, making it a vital resource for future generations.
• Evaluate the impact of tengyur on contemporary Tibetan Buddhism and its relevance in today's spiritual practices.
  • The tengyur continues to have a significant impact on contemporary Tibetan Buddhism by providing practitioners with essential texts that guide their spiritual practices and philosophical understandings. Its relevance today is evident in how monks and scholars reference these texts for meditation instruction, ethical guidance, and philosophical inquiry. The ongoing study and translation efforts related to the tengyur highlight its importance in sustaining Tibetan Buddhist traditions and adapting them to modern contexts.

Related terms

Kanjur: The Kanjur is a collection of Tibetan Buddhist scriptures that includes the words of the Buddha, serving as a foundational text for Tibetan Buddhist practice and philosophy.

Commentary: Commentary refers to scholarly writings that interpret and explain Buddhist texts, providing insights into their meanings and applications in practice.

Tibetan Buddhism: Tibetan Buddhism is a form of Vajrayana Buddhism that incorporates elements of both Mahayana teachings and indigenous Tibetan beliefs, characterized by its rich tradition of rituals, meditation practices, and texts.