Toh 2688Untitled

An Explanation of the Tantric Scripture (Toh 2688)

Background

This scripture belongs to the Kangyur, the Tantra section, representing the Vajrayana tradition, or Buddhist Tantra. This is the highest and swiftest development within the Buddhist Path of Awakening, directed toward attaining buddhahood in a single lifetime through methods for transforming the mind.

In the Tantric tradition, the esoteric scriptures are regarded as secret teachings of Buddha Shakyamuni, transmitted after he attained true nirvana, and handed down from exalted buddhas and awakened bodhisattvas. Therefore, these scriptures are taught only to those of suitable capacity, who have received empowerment (abhiśeka), and who have the guidance of a worthy teacher (guru).

The Kangyur is a collection of sutras and tantras translated from Sanskrit into Tibetan, compiled from the thirteenth century onward. The purpose of these scriptures is to provide methods of meditation, gradually guiding practitioners to complete the process of transformation, from the confused condition of ordinary mind to the absolute clear light of buddha-mind.

Main Content

The specific content of this scripture has not yet been fully translated in the available materials. However, according to the general context of the tantras, scriptures of this type often focus on the following:

First, they present the vows and the nurturing of faith (samaya) toward the buddhas, bodhisattvas, and protectors of the Dharma (dharmapalas). This faith is not blind belief, but the clear understanding that all phenomena are manifestations of the mind’s innate clear light.

Second, they give instructions in rituals that use spiritual images (devatas) as means of practice. In Tantra, buddhas and bodhisattvas are not independent entities outside oneself, but symbols of different aspects of awakened mind. Through visualization, practitioners learn to recognize that the very nature of their own mind is buddha-mind.