A Brief Introduction to the Kangyur and Tengyur

The Kangyur

The Kangyur is an authoritative source of Buddhist texts preserved in Classical Tibetan. These teachings considered to be the words of the Buddha were originally transmitted orally, and later recorded in writing in various ancient Indic languages. The collection of Tibetan translations of these teachings is known as the Kangyur, and is considered to be an authoritative source of Buddhist teachings. The Kangyur presents these texts in four main divisions: Discipline, Discourses, Tantra, and Dhāraṇī.

The Tengyur

The Tengyur is a vast collection of treatises composed by Indian Buddhist masters, preserved in Classical Tibetan. Taking the raw material of the Kangyur as a starting point, the great Indian Buddhist masters commented on and explained the Buddhist teachings, compiling systems of doctrinal theory and practice that help to bring the Buddha’s words to life.

Tengyur's Contents and Importance

The Tengyur contains treatises, commentaries, manuals, and guides composed by Indian and Tibetan Buddhist scholars on the Buddha’s teachings. The Tengyur is regarded as an authoritative source of texts that set out a systematic understanding of Buddhist philosophy and practice.

The Kangyur and Tengyur are unique, foundational, and interwoven

Taken together, the Kangyur and the Tengyur comprise the huge body of Buddhist literature that was translated into Tibetan as Buddhism was being adopted in Tibet in the eighth to thirteenth centuries. Together they form the root of all Tibetan Buddhist lineages.

• Their Complementary Nature: Intertextual relationships between the Kangyur’s scriptural works and the Tengyur’s commentarial treatises provide numerous possibilities to engage with them side-by-side.
• The Foundations of Buddhist philosophy: The Kangyur and the Tengyur form the foundations of spiritual training and philosophical inquiry in the Tibetan tradition.
• Studied, memorized, and recited: Monks, scholars, and practitioners engage with the scriptures and treatises through dedicated study, memorization, and recitation.

Exploring a Path to Awakening

For many, this collection is considered incredibly precious and meaningful. The tremendous value these Tibetan texts preserve is evident in the longevity and impact of the living tradition. Studying, contemplating, and applying the teachings of the Buddha have long been transformative practices that can bring—among many other things—insight, understanding, contentment, joy, and awakening.