Toh 1298Untitled

Exposition of the Tantric Scripture - Toh 1298

Background

This scripture belongs to the Kangyur (Bka'-'gyur), the collection of the orthodox Dharma methods of Tibetan Buddhism, especially teachings transmitted directly from Buddha Sakyamuni in the form of esoteric treasury. In the Vajrayana tradition, scriptures without a clear title are often profound bodies of Dharma methods used to guide practitioners who have received empowerment from an authentic master.

Vajrayana Tantra differs from other Buddhist traditions in that it does not emphasize only theoretical understanding, but works directly upon the practitioner's consciousness and spiritual energy through means such as visualization procedures (sadhana), chanting mantras, and regulating the breath (pranayama). Toh 1298 is arranged in the Tantra section of the Kangyur, where the most advanced instructions are contained.

Main Content

Although the title of this scripture has not yet been fully translated in the descriptive information, based on its position and classification in the Kangyur, this scripture is very likely part of the Dharma methods related to representative tantric Buddhas or bodhisattvas, or else instructions on the practice of the stages of accomplishment (siddhi), especially the practice for accomplishing the four stages of accomplishment.

In the tantric tradition, esoteric scriptures often guide practitioners in:

First, how to magically transform themselves into visionary deities (yidam), that is, buddha-forms representing buddha-nature. This is not random imagination, but a set of symbols with profound meaning concerning aspects of the buddha-mind.

Second, how to use sacred sounds (mantra) as instruments for transforming consciousness from an ordinary state into a state of awakening. Each mantra carries spiritual energy and has the capacity to vibrate profound frequencies of the mind.

Third, further methods of practice after preliminary accomplishments have been reached.