Toh 1971Untitled

Exposition of an Esoteric Scripture — Kangyur Toh 1971

Context

This scripture belongs to the Kangyur, the collection of tantras in the Vajrayana tradition, representing the supreme teaching of Tibetan Buddhism. The Kangyur consists of the direct teachings of Buddha Shakyamuni, or of Buddhas and bodhisattvas perceived in states of meditative absorption (samādhi), recorded in order to preserve and propagate the secret Dharma for later generations.

Esoteric Buddhism, Vajrayana, is the pinnacle of Buddhist paths of practice, teaching that a person can attain enlightenment in one lifetime through the powerful force of esoteric practice. Unlike the Hinayana and Mahayana, which focus on external conduct, Esoteric Buddhism draws upon the deepest capacities of consciousness through practices such as visualization, mantra recitation, and special meditation.

Toh 1971 from the Tantra section of the Kangyur is a subtle practice text, containing basic or advanced instructions for those who have received the transmission (abhiseka) from an authentic Esoteric Buddhist master.

Main Content

Although the scripture’s title has not been provided in detail, the esoteric scriptures in the Kangyur generally explore core themes: (1) the nature of mind and absence of inherent nature (śūnyatā), (2) the process of practice with principal deities (yidam), (3) the union of skillful means (upāya) in order both to understand the nature of selflessness and to give rise to compassion, and (4) the application of secret instructions to continuous practice.

In Esoteric Buddhism, the practitioner’s struggle is not to reject the afflictive emotions (kleśa), but to transmute them, transforming external objects into the Dharmakāya of the Buddha. Esoteric scriptures often describe complex rites, the distinctive qualities of protective deities, and secrets revealed only to disciples who have become worthy through their vows (samaya).

This scripture provides spiritual instruments so that practitioners may recognize that the phenomenal world is not an obstruction but the stage for manifesting Buddhahood in this very moment.