Timeless Buddhist texts, a living archive of wisdom
The collection of interconnected texts known as the Kangyur and Tengyur forms the root of the Tibetan Buddhist tradition. Many of these foundational texts have never before been made available in English.
The Kangyur
An authoritative source of Buddhist texts preserved in Classical Tibetan.
The 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
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.
Contents:
Treatises, commentaries, manuals, and guides composed by Indian and Tibetan Buddhist scholars on the Buddha’s teachings.
Importance:
The Tengyur is regarded as an authoritative source of texts that set out a systematic understanding of Buddhist philosophy and practice.
Mural painting: "Twelve Deeds of the Buddha - Turning the wheel of Dharma." Jamgon Kongtrul Labrang collection.
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.
Complementary nature
Discover the intertextual relationships between the Kangyur’s scriptural works and the Tengyur’s commentarial treatises, and engage with them side-by-side.
Foundations of Buddhist philosophy
Explore how the Kangyur and the Tengyur form the foundations of spiritual training and philosophical inquiry in the Tibetan tradition.
Studied, memorized, and recited
Discover how monks, scholars, and practitioners engage with the scriptures and treatises through dedicated study, memorization, and recitation.
Explore 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.
Unlock the collection
Dive deep into the teachings of the Buddha—many never before made available in English—and you will be sure to find words, stories, teachings, and histories yet untold. Some may answer your questions, and others may pique your interest. Either way, you can be sure that 84000’s translations into English will allow you to discover the literature of the Buddhist tradition in all its richness and variety.