Encyclopedia of India–China Cultural Contacts v1.c7.s5.t5: Buddhist Canon in Manchu Language
Encyclopedia of India–China Cultural Contacts v1.c7.s5.t5
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Buddhist Canon in Manchu Language
v1.c7.s5.t5.1
As the cultural products derived from the prosperity the reign of Qing Emperor Kangxi and Emperor Qianlong, *Tripitaka* in Manchu version, also known as Tripitaka in native language, was translated, carved in blocks and printed with bod yig gyi bkav bstan vgyur as master copy and in reference to Tripitaka in Chinese version and in Mongolian version and it represented the highest woodblock print and binding layout level in China.
v1.c7.s5.t5.2
Considering that there was no Tripitaka in Manchu though bod yig gyi bkav bstan vgyur and Tripitaka in Tibetan, Chinese and Mongolian were published before, Emperor Qianlong issued the edict of building a sutra academy to translate Tripitaka into Manchu to fill the cultural gap in 1773.
v1.c7.s5.t5.3
On the suggestions of Great Preceptor kang skya rol pvi rdo rje, Tripitaka of Manchu version was translated in reference to bkav vgyur totalling 108 cases of bod yig gyi bkav bstan vgyur, also known as *Sutra Pitika* and *Vinaya Pitika* of Three Treasures, expounding on the sermons attributed to Shakyamuni Buddha. In Tripitaka of Manchu version, bstan vgyur was not translated because it constituted part of Abhidharma Pitika, referring to discourses, discussions or treatises on the dogma and doctrines of Buddhism. The translation work adhered to the principle of translating sutras such as *mahaprajna-paramita*, *maharatnakuta*, *avatamsaka*, *mahaparinirvana*, *Madh Yamagama* and *Mahayana* in total and sutras of sect branches in a simplified way. Additionally, Mongolian writings and Chinese characters in bod yig gyi bkav bstan vgyur were carefully reviewed and collated as well as translated into Manchu in the light of languages mastered by translators.
v1.c7.s5.t5.4
To ensure smooth translation progress, Emperor Qianlong issued an edict of compiling and translating all mantras in *Mahapitaka* at first. As we all know, Emperor Qianlong and the third Akiyoshi Buddha devoted themselves to the translation of Tripitaka in Manchu. Usually, the third Akiyoshi Buddha determined and reviewed contents and layout as well as worked as a polisher and then submitted to Emperor Qianlong for review and approval.
v1.c7.s5.t5.5
From 1773 to 1790, it took 18 years to complete the translation of Tripitaka in Manchu. Among it, some sutras were printed and bound into volumes to present to Emperor Qianlong as a birthday gift and Emperor Qianlong rejoiced at the gift, composing the preface to Imperial Tripitaka in Manchu or preface to Tripitaka in Manchu.
v1.c7.s5.t5.6
Tripitaka in Manchu has a total of 108 parts (cases) and collects 699 sutras running to 2,535 volumes, falling into five categories: 1) It collects Shes-phyin, 22 cases, 610 volumes; dkon brtsegs, 1 sutra, 6 cases, 120 volumes, 1 *Mahasannipat*, 1 *sutra*, 1 case , 30 volumes; Phal-chen, 1 *sutra*, 8 cases , 80 volumes; Nirvana, 2 sutras, 2 parts , 42 volumes; 2) Sutras in one translated version: 17 cases, 206 parts, 444 volumes; 3) Tantric darma dharani, 16 cases, 322 parts, 404 volumes; 4) Theravada and discourses, 20 cases, 155 parts , 460 volumes; 5) *Hinayana vinaya*, 16, cases, 11 parts, 345 volumes. *Mahayana Vinaya*, *Mahayana sastra* and *Hinayana sastra* are were not included in Tripitaka in Manchu.
v1.c7.s5.t5.7
The layout of Tripitaka in Manchu refers to bod yig gyi bkav bstan vgyur, richly bound in leaves and two-sided printed, 73 cm × 24.5 cm in size and inserted vivid and lively illustration and portrait of Buddha. According to statistics, there are a total of more than 700 Buddha on *pattra* leaves and Tripitaka in Manchu version is reputed to be Qing Tibetan Buddha Portrait Arts treasure.
v1.c7.s5.t5.8
After Tripitaka in Manchu was block-printed, the cut blocks for printing were stored in the Sutra Academy. In 1799, the cut blocks for printing were transferred to be stored at Meridian Gate of the Forbidden City. In those days, 12 sets of Tripitaka in Manchu were printed and worshipped at Potala Palace, Tashilunpo Monastery, Grand Zongjing Monastery, Baodi Temple on Fragrance Hill, Yinghua Palace in Forbidden City, the Lama Temple, Shuxiang Temple in Chengde, Putuo Zongcheng Temple, Xumifushou Temple, Falun Temple in Mukden, Huizong Temple in Duolunnuoer and Zhenhai Temple on Wutai Mountain.
v1.c7.s5.t5.9
Tripitaka in Manchu collects an array of exquisite Indian Buddha statues and ancient Indian primitive spells (mantra) and provides important data for study into India-China Cultural Exchange and Academic Research. In particular, the compilation, translation and publication of all mantras in Mahapitaka in Sanskrit, Tibetan, Mongolian and Chinese running to eight volumes represents great academic achievements in India-China translation history, plays a vital role in promoting sutra translation and bequeaths our prosperity with valuable India-China cultural legacy.
v1.c7.s5.t5.10
(*Kalsang gyal*)