Toh 4219Untitled

Exposition of Scripture Toh 4219 — Northern Mahayana Canonical Tradition

Background

Toh 4219 is a treatise belonging to the Tengyur—a collection of treatises, commentaries, and practice instructions by Tibetan Buddhist masters. This collection was compiled under the Dharma Kings of Tibet (eighth–ninth centuries) to preserve the Mahayana teachings after Buddhism declined in India.

This treatise is a product of the Northern Mahayana canonical tradition, in which the Buddhadharma is understood through the perspective of the Tathagata Nature (Tathagatagarbha), the doctrine of the Tathagata-garbha-buddha-dhatu, and especially tantric practice—the swiftest path to liberation. These teachings were developed and perfected by noble sages such as Nagarjuna, Aryadeva, Candrakirti, and Tibetan meditation masters.

Although the precise title of Toh 4219 has not yet been fully translated, it belongs to the category of treatises explaining profound principles of the Buddhadharma, possibly concerning the theory of conceptual designation (prajñapti), the ten bodhisattva bhumis, or the practice of Highest Yoga (Anuttarayoga Tantra)—central subjects of the Northern Canonical tradition.

Main Content

The treatises in the Tengyur generally revolve around elucidating the path of liberating practice according to the Mahayana tradition. Toh 4219 may focus on one of the following essential issues:

First, it may teach the Vajra Path (Vajrayana)—the tantric path based on transforming consciousness through the visualization of a meditational deity (yidam) and ritual practice (sadhana). In this tradition, one does not merely relinquish errors; rather, all phenomenal realities are recognized as mind, and mind itself is the latent Buddha-nature.

Second, it may discuss bodhisattva conduct—the bodhisattva’s path through the ten bhumis, upon which the practitioner gradually cultivates loving-kindness and compassion (maitri-karuna) and prajna wisdom for the benefit of all sentient beings, rather than seeking nirvana solely for oneself.