Toh 1740Untitled

EXPOSITION OF A SCRIPTURE FROM THE TENGYUR TOH 1740

A Treatise of the Mahayana Northern Canon

Context

The Tengyur (Northern Canon) is a collection of treatises, commentaries, and philosophical works translated from Sanskrit into Tibetan, complementing in an absolute way the teachings in the Kangyur. Scripture number Toh 1740 is located in the Treatise Collection (bhasya section), which contains profound commentaries by Mahayana masters on the sutras and on fundamental Buddhist theories.

In the Mahayana tradition of the Tibetan Northern canon, these treatises are not merely theoretical explanations but also guidance for practicing paths of liberation based on the bodhisattva vow. They were composed by eminent Dharma masters such as Vasubandhu, Asanga, Candrakirti, and many others, who actualized the teachings of the Buddha in their own lives.

Main Content

Although the specific title has not been fully provided, treatises in the Tengyur commonly revolve around key Mahayana themes: the doctrine of Buddha-nature present in all beings, the bodhisattva path with the six paramitas, and the philosophy of emptiness (sunyata) according to the Madhyamaka or Yogacara schools.

These treatises provide profound understanding of how we may overcome attitudes of grasping at self (atma-graha) in order to realize the selfless nature (anatman) of all phenomena. They also guide us in how to develop immeasurable compassion, so that together with all beings we may proceed toward buddhahood. Logical proofs, concrete examples, and meditation instructions are presented in a systematic way.

Practical Meaning

For modern practitioners, the teachings in the treatises of the Tengyur remind us that the Buddha Dharma is not abstract advice but a practical path.