Vajrayāna treatise

As the title implies, this is a discussion ofstūpas and their benefits. Five types ofstūpas are distinguished: (1) the unsurpassablestūpa(bla na myed pa'i mchod rten), (2) the mentalstūpa(yid gi mchod rten), (3) the self-naturestūpa(rang bzhin kyi mchod rten), (4) the emanationstūpa(sprul pa'i mchod rten), and (5) the reflectionstūpa(gzugs brnyan kyi mchod rten). The discussion on the unsurpassablestūpa(see1r.4-3v.6) involves a description of the universe, with Mt.Sumeruand the four continents, all resting on a layered foundation of the five buddha families. At the top of this universe is a Buddhist heaven where the unsurpassablestūpais found. The mentalstūpa(see3v.6-9), which is called the "wish fulfillingstūpa" (yid bzhin gi mchod rten) on the opening page, is for tantric practitioners (sngags mkhan) to use in their meditation rituals. The self-nature stūpa (3v.9-5r.5) has eight types, each associated with a specified event from the life ofŚākyamuni. The emanationstūpa(5r.5-5v.5) is associated with a story in which the two guardian kings of the north and the west,Vaiśravaṇa(Rnam thos sras) andVirūpākṣa(Dmyigs myi bzang), purify their sins by offering stupas to the BuddhaŚākyamuni. Finally, the reflectionstūpais discussed (5v.5-7v.10) in terms of the well known story of the Indian kingAśokabuildingstūpas to protect his kingdom. Also mentioned are the benefits gained from the ritual making oftsha tsha.