Toh 1851Untitled

Commentary on the Kangyur Tantra Toh 1851

Context

This scripture is collected in the Kangyur, the Translated Words of Tibet, specifically in the Tantra section, reflecting one of the important works of the Vajrayana tradition. This tradition arose around the fifth century CE in India and flourished in Tibet from the eighth century onward.

The Tantra section of the Kangyur is a collection of scriptures translated into Tibetan during the reign of King Trisong Detsen, expressing the inheritance and preservation of the profound esoteric teachings of Indian Buddhism. The scripture numbered Toh 1851 is among the extremely important scriptures, yet it has not been fully translated into Vietnamese, showing the specialized character and depth of its content.

The Tibetan Vajrayana tradition takes the principle of the “three secrets” as its basis: the secrets of body, speech, and mind of the Buddhas and bodhisattvas. These tantras are transmitted from master to disciple through solemn abhisheka rituals, with the aim of helping practitioners swiftly accomplish Buddhahood.

Main Content

Although the title has not been clearly identified, this scripture, by virtue of its position in the Tantra section of the Kangyur, is likely to belong to the genre of advanced sādhana texts or tantra practice texts. Scriptures in this category often provide guidance in the following areas:

First, the structure of visualization of protector deities or sacred Buddhas in Tantra, where every detail of image, color, and symbol bears profound meaning concerning the suchness of dharmatā and the perfection of the three secrets.

Second, ritual practice, including the recitation of mantra, the drawing of the maṇḍala, and bodily practices of mudrā, in order to attain unity between ourselves and the mind of the Buddha, “samadhi.”