Toh 4105Untitled

An Exposition of the Treatise Toh 4105

From the Northern Canonical Tradition

Background

Toh 4105 is a treatise belonging to the Tengyur, a collection of commentaries and treatises developed from the Mahayana Buddhadharma in the Northern canonical tradition. The Tengyur (བསྟན་འགྱུར།)—meaning “Translation of the Teachings”—was compiled to explain, comment upon, and expand the fundamental teachings contained in the scripture collection, the Kangyur.

Within the context of the Northern tradition of Tibetan Vajrayāna, these treatises are not simply historical commentaries but also practical guides of a devotional character, intended to support cultivation under the guidance of a virtuous spiritual master. This tradition emphasizes the unity of wisdom (prajñā) and skillful means (upāya), and always values the connection between theory and spiritual practice.

Main Content

Although the title of the text has not yet been fully translated, Toh 4105 belongs among the treatises composed by noble masters and erudite Buddhist scholars after the time of Śākyamuni Buddha to clarify profound aspects of the Mahayana. Such treatises commonly focus on the following:

First, they establish the validity of Mahayana teachings through logic, explain scriptural passages that appear contradictory, and connect different scriptures with one another. Second, they provide specific methods of practice for those following the bodhisattva path—the path of cultivation directed toward Buddhahood in order to save sentient beings, rather than merely escaping personal suffering.

In the Northern canonical tradition, these treatises particularly emphasize the role of the bodhisattva; bodhicitta—the unconditional aspiration that all sentient beings attain Buddhahood; and profound states of meditative concentration (dhyāna) united with the realization that the Dharmakāya is empty of inherent nature (śūnyatā).

Practical Significance

As a treatise from the Tengyur, Toh 4105 invites practitioners not only to reflect theoretically but also to apply its teachings in daily practice.