Toh 2964Untitled

Explanation of the Tantra Scripture (Toh 2964)

Context

This scripture belongs to the Kangyur, the collection of canonical scriptures of the Buddhist tantras of Vajrayana, compiled in the eighth century in India. The scriptural collections in the Kangyur record the teachings of Buddha Shakyamuni and of bodhisattvas, noble ones, and sages from the esoteric perspective, in order to guide practitioners of profound capacity toward swift awakening within a single lifetime.

Vajrayana, the Tantric Vehicle, is a school of Mahayana Buddhism focused on training the mind through special methods: visualization meditation, chanting mantras, performing mudras, and receiving transmission from a teacher. Unlike other scriptures, the tantras require deep understanding and practice under the guidance of an accomplished guru.

Main Content

Although the title of this scripture has not been fully transmitted, according to the context of the Kangyur Tantras, this scripture belongs to the class of tantra whose content focuses on the transformation of the mind and the training of spiritual power.

The tantric scriptures in the Kangyur generally include the following basic elements: first, the presentation of the buddhas and bodhisattvas whom practitioners need to invoke and visualize clearly; second, true words, or mantras, that have the power to transform the mind; third, instructions on how to stabilize the mind, contemplate, and unite with the breath in order to open the energy doors within the subtle body.

The tantric method of practice emphasizes the principle of “taking up in order to transform”: the practitioner does not cast away desires, but instead learns how to transform them into spiritual force. This is why tantra is regarded as the swiftest path to buddhahood.

Practical Meaning

For practitioners of Vajrayana, this scripture, like the whole body of tantric scriptures, is not meant to be read as historical material, but to be practiced.