The Choné Kangyur: A Socio-Archaeographic Analysis

Abstract

Introduction. The paper attempts a socio-archaeographic analysis of the Choné Kangyur housed at the Institute for Mongolian, Buddhist and Tibetan Studies (SB RAS). Goals. The work primarily seeks to introduce one previously unknown edition (set) of the Tibetan Buddhist canon into scientific circulation. Methods. In terms of methodology, the study rests on that of ‘social archaeography’, with some provisions of historical phenomenology be as involved. Results. The socio-archaeographic analysis of the specified collection facilitates deeper understanding of its social significance and certain specifics of Buddhist book culture in the Baikal Region throughout the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. The main research target is to reconstruct somewhat social aspects behind the shaping of Buddhist canonical heritage across Russia’s regions — with a view to establish the edition’s place in the modern national book system. Conclusions. The content analysis shows Buryat monasteries had shaped a harmonious hierarchical book system centered around the Kangyur by the early twentieth century. Those had been both practical and soteriological motives that underlay decisions made by leaders of the region’s Buddhist communities to purchase Kangyur editions in large quantities from Qing China. The Choné Kangyur (IMBT SB RAS) proves a fundamental source for numerous studies in history, archaeography, and social agenda. The Choné Kangyur introduced herein attests to Tibetan-language publications have been — and still are — an important and integral part of Russia’s book resources, serve as a factor in the formation of the nation’s book culture. The article also pays particular attention to some newly discovered episodes in the history of the Choné Kangyur.