THE 4 RELIENCES

THE 4 RELIENCES

A Traditional Buddhist Teaching

1. First, Rely on the teachings, not the personality of the teacher.

Rely on the truth of the teachings, which supports and upholds the truth of the lessons. The teacher may be to your liking but if the lessons hold no merit, then your trust and time are wasted.

2. Rely on the spirit and meanings of the teachings, not on the words.

Look deeply into the meaning of the words being presented to you. If you listen and understand shallowly, your growth will be less than if you truly understand the underlying meanings of the teachings. Look as deeply as you can for the true message, each time you do this, your understanding will deepen. Be careful of misunderstanding what the teacher is trying to say for that can lead you in all sorts of wrong directions, ask questions until you are satisfied that your understanding is what it needs to be. “When the finger points to the moon, The(childish) will look at the finger itself. And fools attached to mere language, may think they’ve understood, but they will find it difficult.” {Mipham Rinpoche}

3. Rely on real wisdom, not a superficial interpenetration.

Do not rely on the temporariness of the lesson, look for the one that touches all levels of your life and teaches what you require. Do not be swayed by flashy words and high-sounding concepts, listen, look for what is real and lasting. Find the specifics of the lesson and see how they apply to where you are on your path at the moment and also where you can go with this information.

4. Rely on the essence of your pure wisdom mind, not on judgmental perceptions.

Judgment will stop your understanding, growth and learning. Your preconceived notions will keep you from hearing and absorbing new information. As you allow new information without judgment, you will find truth in wonderful and unexpected places.

 As you grow in your path, new information will come to you, and reevaluation will be required. Remember that understanding at a lower level may not continue to serve you at higher levels. Never decide that you know everything about anything because this will stop your growth. Always look for the next question, the next answer to keep you moving farther, vibrating higher, and reaching further. Bright Blessings

 

(the explanations are my interpretations of the relances, Chessie Roberts)

 

Ju Mipham Rinpoche (1846-1912) —Author of the original Reliances was a great Nyingma master Tibetan scholar and writer of the last century, student of Jamgön Kongtrul, Jamyang Khyentsé Wangpo and Patrul Rinpoche. Blessed by Manjushri, he became one of the greatest scholars of his time. His collected works fill more than thirty volumes. His chief disciple was Shechen Gyaltsab Pema Namgyal.