Toh 2191Untitled

Commentary on Toh 2191 — Tengyur Treatise Collection

Context

Toh 2191 is a treatise found in the Tengyur collection, the Treatise Collection of the Mahayana Northern Canon tradition. The Tengyur is a collection of expositions, annotations, and philosophical works by outstanding teachers after the time of the Buddha, intended to clarify the profound meaning of the scriptures.

In the context of Mahayana Buddha Dharma, the Treatise Collection plays an indispensable role, helping practitioners and scholars understand the true intent of the Dharma. The Northern Canon tradition especially values the union of theory (view) and practice (cultivation), between the Buddha Dharma of the Fortunate Eon and tantric methods. The treatises in the Tengyur are precious guides for directing this stream of thought.

Main Content

Although the title of the treatise has not been fully translated in the descriptive information, according to the conventions of the Northern Canon tradition, Toh 2191 is a specialized work on Buddhist principles or practice instruction. Treatises in this section often revolve around central issues such as the nature of consciousness (citta), Buddha-nature, the principle of equanimity (upekṣā), or the actual stages of the bodhisattva path.

The Mahayana Northern Canon tradition emphasizes that all beings possess Buddha-nature and can realize buddhahood. Therefore, many treatises in the Tengyur focus on explaining the bodhisattva path of practice, from the arousing of bodhicitta to the completion of the six paramitas: generosity, ethical discipline, patience, diligence, meditation, and wisdom. This treatise may be a detailed commentary on one of these methods, or a teaching on a specific mode of cultivation, such as samādhi-prajñā or Tibetan tantra.

Practical Significance

The treatises in the Tengyur are not only theoretical works but also profound instructions for practice.