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Buddhist Literature

Sources: Tibetan Canon

Differs from the other Mahayana canons mainly through the presence of, and importance given to, numerous tantric texts. These texts form their own subdivision called the ‘Tantra’. In contrast to the classical sutras, these texts are mostly of an esoteric, magical or ritual nature, which are not be shared with the “uninitiated”.

There exists also a methodological distinction between the Chinese and the (mostly later: 9^th through 13^th century) Tibetan translations. (See Languages)

A number of editions exist. Most authoritative however is the so-called Narthang-edition, with the following subdivisions:

A. Kanjur

13 Volumes Vinaya
21 Volumes Prajñaparamita
6 Volumes Avatamsaka
6 Volumes Ratnakuta, a series of 49 Mahayana sutras
30 Volumes Sutra, 270 texts, ¾ Mahayana, ¼ Hinayana.
22 Volumes Tantra, more than 300 texts.

B. Tanjur

1 Volume ‘Stotra’, 64 texts of praise

86 Volumes of Commentaries on Tantra, 3.055 texts.

137 Volumes of Commentaries on Sutra, subdivided into:

16 Volumes of Commentaries on Prajñaparamita
17 Volumes of Madhyamaka dissertations
29 Volumes of Yogacara dissertations
8 Volumes of Abhidharma
4 Volumes of “Diverse Writings”
16 Volumes of Vinaya Commentaries
4 Volumes of Stories and Plays
21 Volumes on Logic and Eloquence
1 Volume on Grammar
1 Volume on Lexicography and Rules of Poetry
5 Volumes on Medicine
1 Volume on Chemistry and Alchemy
14 Volumes of Tables

Each of the Tibetan schools also has its own typical scripture, e.g. with the teachings of the founder of the school and the masters of the tradition.

E.g. Gelug-pa: the works of Tsong-kha-pa

Kagyu-pa: the poems of Milarepa

Nyingma-pa: the works attributed to Padmasambhava.

Remarkably the popular “Tibetan book of the Dead” (Bardo Todol) is not regarded as canonical.