Toh 2249Untitled

Explanation of Toh 2249 — Tengyur (Treatise Collection)

Context

The Tengyur (bdengs 'gyur), or the Buddhist Treatise Collection, is a compilation of treatises that explain and expand upon the Buddhadharma on the basis of the main Sutra Collection. In the Northern Tibetan Mahayana tradition, the Tengyur is regarded as a radiant and magnificent lamp that helps us understand the Buddha’s teaching deeply.

Text number 2249 belongs to the Treatise Collection, an indispensable part of the body of Mahayana Buddhadharma. Although its title has not yet been fully recorded, its position in the Tengyur indicates that this is a profound exegetical work, likely discussing Buddhist philosophy, practice, or the doctrine of Buddha-nature.

In historical context, the Tengyur was compiled and translated into Tibetan from source languages (Sanskrit, Pāli, Chinese) from the eighth to the thirteenth centuries, under the direction of eminent monks and renowned Buddhist scholars. This text reflects the inheritance and development of the Mahayana Dharma through different schools.

Main Content

Although the specific content of Toh 2249 has not yet been fully translated, we may understand that, like other treatises in the Tengyur, it may address one of the following important themes:

On the bodhisattva path: The text may teach about the power of loving-kindness (mettā) and compassion (karuṇā) of the bodhisattva, or about the six pāramitās — the six perfected practices that a bodhisattva must cultivate in order to attain buddhahood.

On the theory of Buddha-nature: The Tengyur regards Buddha-nature (Buddha-dhātu) as present in all sentient beings. Thus, this treatise may teach about the spiritual basis by which all sentient beings can become Buddhas, a fundamental quality of the Mahayana.

On the dharmakāya and nirmāṇakāya: The Treatise Collection often discusses the ways in which a Buddha exists — the formless dharmakāya and the emanation bodies for the sake of sentient beings.