Toh 4370Untitled

Exposition of Toh 4370—A Treatise on the Bodhisattva Path

Context

This scripture belongs to the Tengyur—the Treatise Collection of the Northern Mahayana Canon tradition, a precious collection containing commentaries, treatises, and teachings by the Buddhist sages of Tibet. Toh 4370 is an independent treatise with no clearly recorded title, but based on its position within the Treatise Collection, the work is closely related to the bodhisattva path—the Mahayana path of practice directed toward buddhahood.

The Northern Tibetan tradition (Tibetan Vajrayāna) emphasizes that every sentient being possesses latent Buddha-nature and that the bodhisattva path is the means for awakening that intrinsic nature. Although it has no specific title, this treatise was arranged within the Tengyur to clarify profound aspects of the bodhisattva’s method of practice, particularly the union of wisdom and compassion.

Main Content

This treatise analyzes the essential elements of bodhisattva conduct (bodhisattva-caryā). According to the Northern Mahayana Canon tradition, the bodhisattva path is not a pursuit of personal liberation but the unsurpassed 誓 vow directed toward the liberation of all sentient beings. Although its specific details have not been fully translated in the descriptive information, the contents of this scripture would be expected to encompass such topics as:

First, the bodhisattva mind (bodhicitta)—the wondrous aspiration that serves as the foundation. This is not a fleeting emotion but the profound resolve to exert oneself without limit so that all sentient beings may attain buddhahood. This mind is cultivated through meditation and reflection.

Second, the six perfections (ṣaḍ-pāramitāḥ)—generosity, ethical discipline, patience, diligence, meditation, and wisdom. Each perfection is not an isolated action but a means of fulfilling the bodhisattva aspiration.