Toh 1654Untitled

Explanation of the Tantric Scripture — Vajrayana (Toh 1654)

Context

This scripture belongs to the Kangyur, the authoritative collection of tantric Buddhist scriptures preserved and transmitted in the Tibetan tradition. Toh 1654 lies within the Tantras section, the highest teachings of the Vajrayana, where the Blessed Buddha teaches Dharma methods of pure light and transformation of consciousness.

Tantra, or Vajrayana, is regarded as the "vehicle of swift result," differing from the Shravaka tradition and the Mahayana in its approach. Whereas the Mahayana emphasizes the bodhisattva conduct cultivated over many kalpas, Tantra affirms that in this very life, through Dharma practices (sadhana), secret rituals, mantra, and the circulation of energy (chakra-nadi-bindu), practitioners can realize buddhahood. Its core is the transformation of consciousness through clear realization of the nature of emptiness (shunyata) and luminosity of all phenomena.

Main Content

Although the title of the scripture has not yet been fully translated, the contents of tantric scriptures in the Kangyur often revolve around core themes: the definition of the actual nature of buddha-nature, the structure of the sacred mandala, the names and attributes of the supreme primordial Buddha (Adi-Buddha), and detailed instructions on meditation upon yidams or Buddhas.

Such tantric scriptures often include: (1) initial offerings and hymns to arouse faith and compassion; (2) teachings from the Buddha or tantric bodhisattvas on how to accomplish the body of light or the Dharma body (Dharmakaya); (3) instructions on visualization, that is, the practice of visualizing, the pronunciation of the beloved heart mantra, and entry into a deep state of meditative absorption.

The distinctive feature of Tantra is the use of the "three secrets": body, speech, and mind, that is, using the body, speech, and consciousness as a single unified whole in Dharma practice. It is not a superstitious religion, but a subtle science of the hidden potential of the human mind.