Toh 1268Untitled

Exposition of the Kangyur Tantra Scripture (Toh 1268)

Context

This scripture belongs to the Kangyur, the collection of the Buddha’s teachings in the Vajrayana Tantric tradition, recorded and protected over the centuries by eminent Tibetan masters. Within the treasury of the Tantras, the Tantric scriptures represent the highest stage of Dharma teaching, where Buddha Shakyamuni reveals the most profound instructions, reserved for those of worthy faculties who have confidence in the teacher.

The Tantric tradition differs from early Buddhism, Theravada, and ordinary Mahayana in that it does not merely teach liberation from suffering, but also shows the swift path to Buddhahood in one lifetime through the use of the nature of mind, energy, and sacred vows. Each scripture in the Tantras possesses a radiant and hidden character, requiring the practitioner to have direct guidance from the root teacher.

Main Content

Although the title of this scripture has not been fully translated, according to the Tantric tradition, Tantric scriptures often include: (1) an opening teaching on the pure Buddha body, Dharmakaya, Sambhogakaya, or Nirmanakaya; (2) heart mantras and dharanis for entering and accomplishing the practice; (3) instructions on rituals, the four empowerments, abhisheka, or transmission; and (4) the principle of emptiness, shunyata, the underlying rationale of all Tantric Dharma.

In Vajrayana, nothing is absolutely forbidden. Everything that appears in the mind, desire, anger, and delusion, can become material for awakening if transformed through the power of mindful orientation and wisdom. This is an extraordinarily flexible and powerful Dharma teaching.