Toh 1253Untitled

Commentary on Toh 1253 — The Vajrayana Tantric Tradition

Context

This scripture is found in the Kangyur (Bud-rtams, the canon), in the Tantra section (rgyud sde), the highest teachings transmitted by Buddha Shakyamuni in the heavenly realms and in the realms of spirits. The Vajrayana tradition regards the Tantra section as teachings that contain the most powerful means for attaining buddhahood in a single lifetime. Unlike the Hinayana, which focuses on individual causes and fruits of practice, or the Mahayana, which emphasizes the signless bodhisattva mind, Tantra uses methods that transform desire and bliss, the path of what is genuine, namely the unification of the three bodies of the Buddha (dharmakaya, sambhogakaya, nirmanakaya) in a single sustained practice.

Toh 1253 belongs to the system of Tantras, esoteric scriptures that require transmission from a supremely luminous guru. Because the descriptive information does not record a specific title, this scripture is placed within the broad tradition of the Tantra section and may be connected with a particular noble being or a specific method of practice in Vajrayana.

Main Content

The Tantras in the Tantra section often reveal theories concerning the true mind, energy (prana), energy channels (nadi), and methods of meditation related to the Buddha nature of beings. They contain detailed instructions on forming divine images (Devata Yoga), visualization, performance of ritual practices (sadhana), and cultivation of the profound secrets of mind.

Ordinarily, such Tantras teach that all phenomena (dharma) have no independent essence, but are expressions of mind. By using sacred sound (mantra), visual thought, and methods of unifying energy (yoga), the practitioner can transform ordinary consciousness into the wisdom of the Buddha in a short time. This is why Tantra is called the “path of transformation”: it does not deny desire and bliss or reject them as empty, but thoroughly understands their nature as emptiness.