Toh 4024Untitled

An Explanation of a Tantric Sutra (Toh 4024)

Background

This sutra belongs to the Kangyur, the most complete collection of scriptures of esoteric Buddhism transmitted in the Vajrayāna lineage. The Kangyur was compiled in the eighth to ninth centuries under the direction of eminent Buddhist masters, especially Padmasambhava and Tibetan Dharma teachers, in order to preserve the whole body of Tantras and esoteric assemblies connected with the practice of Suchness (Dharmakāya) of the liberating Buddhas.

In the tantric tradition, scriptures are divided into four classes of Tantra according to the subtlety of their methods: Action Tantra, Performance Tantra, Father Yoga Tantra, and Father-Mother Yoga Tantra (Anuttarayoga). Each scripture in the Kangyur contains the teaching of Buddha Shakyamuni in various forms of Dharma body, taught not only to one group of recipients, but to all beings who have karmic connection with the Buddha-realms of space.

Main Content

The specific content of this sutra has not been fully translated in the present descriptive information; however, it may be explained according to the general context of Vajrayāna tantras. Tantric scriptures in the Kangyur often present intensive methods of practice connected with embodying Buddhas or bodhisattvas (meditation ritual, sādhana), combined with teachings on the profound meaning of symbols, mantra, and mudrā (hand seals).

An important feature of tantric scriptures is that they teach a method of “reversal,” not eliminating desires and emotions, but transforming them into wisdom. This is called “transforming the impure into the pure.” Through meditating on the chosen lord (yidam, a selected Buddha or bodhisattva), practicing mantra, and developing non-arising wisdom (śūnyatā-jñāna), the practitioner can attain awakening in a single lifetime.