Toh 1470Untitled

Exposition of the Kriyā Tantra Scripture

The Vajrayāna Tantric Tradition

Background

Kriyā Tantra belongs to the first level among the four classes of Tantra in Tibetan Tantra. These are teachings given by Buddha Śākyamuni in a secret form, intended to help practitioners of sharp faculties swiftly attain the state of Buddhahood within a single lifetime.

Kriyā Tantra is called the "Tantra of Action" because it emphasizes cultivation through external material actions, such as ritual, purification and creation of images, recitation, and ceremonial foundations. Unlike the three higher classes of Tantra (Charyā Tantra, Yoga Tantra, Anuttarayoga Tantra), Kriyā Tantra does not require profound inner integration of prāṇa (vital wind) and citta (mind) at a subtle level. Instead, it focuses on using external actions to purify ignorance and develop wisdom.

This Kriyā Tantra text is classified as Toh 1470 in the Tibetan Buddhist canon, and is one of the most important texts of the Vajrayāna Tantric tradition.

Main Content

Kriyā Tantra presents the basic principles of practice according to the preliminary Tantric path. It teaches that the practitioner must complete cycles of recitation (mantra), perform functional rites (pūjā), and maintain the higher vows and ethical rules (samaya).

One of the main points is the concept of "transformation." Instead of regarding body, speech, and mind as sinful things, the practitioner is instructed to see them as expressions of the Buddha’s body, speech, and mind. This transformation begins with external action but gradually penetrates the consciousness.

The scripture also emphasizes the importance of the Guru, the one who has fully practiced according to Tantra and has the capacity to transmit these secrets. The relationship between teacher and disciple is the foundation of every accomplishment in practice.