Toh 1920Untitled

Exposition of the Tantra Scripture — Toh 1920

Background

This scripture belongs to the Kangyur, the collection of original scriptures of the Tibetan tradition, specifically within the Tantra section. In the Vajrayana Tantric system, the scriptures of the Tantra section are ranked according to the profundity of their doctrine and practice. Toh 1920 is one of the texts whose title has not been specifically identified in circulation, but according to its position in the Kangyur, it belongs to the category of scriptures teaching methods connected with advanced Tantric practice.

Vajrayana Tantra differs fundamentally from the exoteric teachings in that it does not regard liberation as an infinitely long process through many lifetimes, but considers the transformation of consciousness and embodied life in this very lifetime to be possible. This is accomplished through the practice of deities (yidam), the development of bodhisattva mind, and the luminous wheel body (chakra) in service of the aim of complete liberation.

Main Contents

The specific contents of this scripture have not been fully translated in available materials. However, based on the context of the Kangyur Tantra section, scriptures with unidentified titles often contain teachings on:

First, causality in Tantra (karma yoga). These scriptures teach that every action, speech, and thought of the practitioner must be directed toward the goal of awakening; there is no “neutral” or meaningless action on the esoteric path.

Second, the practice of transformation. Instead of merely seeking to eliminate afflictions as in the exoteric teachings, Tantra teaches the transformation of the energy of afflictions into perfectly complete wisdom. For example, anger is transformed into decisiveness in action, and greed into boundless ardor for the Dharma.

Third, it may mention instructions on specific forms of practice related to devotion, mantra recitation and accomplishment, and the secrets of the internal luminous wheels (the internal chakras according to the Tibetan tradition). The scriptures of the Tantra section often contain very specific counsel for those who have received the teaching of the Dharma and the rank of initiation (diksa) from the guru.