Four modes: Difference between revisions
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The tantric teachings have meanings on many levels, so to unlock the accurate meaning of a [[tantra]] we must follow a series of methods which are known as the | The tantric teachings have meanings on many levels, so to unlock the accurate meaning of a [[tantra]] we must follow a series of methods which are known as the [[six limits]] and '''four modes''' (Skt. ''caturvidha''; [[Wyl.]] ''tshul bzhi''). These ten approaches taken all together will bring out the perfect, accurate meaning of the tantra. | ||
The six limits apply to how we understand the text as a whole and the four modes relate directly to the interpretation of each word and line. | The six limits apply to how we understand the text as a whole and the four modes relate directly to the interpretation of each word and line. | ||
The four modes are: | |||
#linguistic (or morphemic) (''tshig gi tshul'') | #linguistic (or morphemic) (''tshig gi tshul'') | ||
#general (''spyi'i tshul'') | #general (''spyi'i tshul'') | ||
| Line 12: | Line 11: | ||
==Alternative Translations== | ==Alternative Translations== | ||
*Four programs of interpretation (Thurman) | *Four programs of interpretation (Thurman) | ||
*Four styles (Matthew Kapstein) | *Four styles (Matthew Kapstein) | ||
#lexical | #lexical | ||
#general | #general | ||
#concealed | #concealed | ||
#conclusive | #conclusive | ||
*(Khenpo Palden Sherab & Khenpo Tsewang Dongyal) | *(Khenpo Palden Sherab & Khenpo Tsewang Dongyal) | ||
#word meaning | #word meaning | ||
| Line 34: | Line 29: | ||
[[Category:Hermeneutics]] | [[Category:Hermeneutics]] | ||
[[Category:Vajrayana]] | |||
[[Category:Tantras]] | |||
[[Category:Enumerations]] | [[Category:Enumerations]] | ||
[[Category:04-Four]] | [[Category:04-Four]] | ||
Revision as of 08:16, 28 September 2017
The tantric teachings have meanings on many levels, so to unlock the accurate meaning of a tantra we must follow a series of methods which are known as the six limits and four modes (Skt. caturvidha; Wyl. tshul bzhi). These ten approaches taken all together will bring out the perfect, accurate meaning of the tantra.
The six limits apply to how we understand the text as a whole and the four modes relate directly to the interpretation of each word and line.
The four modes are:
- linguistic (or morphemic) (tshig gi tshul)
- general (spyi'i tshul)
- hidden (sbas pa'i tshul)
- ultimate (mthar thug gi tshul)
Alternative Translations
- Four programs of interpretation (Thurman)
- Four styles (Matthew Kapstein)
- lexical
- general
- concealed
- conclusive
- (Khenpo Palden Sherab & Khenpo Tsewang Dongyal)
- word meaning
Further Reading
- Robert Thurman. 'Vajra Hermeneutics' in Donald S. Lopez (ed.), Buddhist Hermeneutics. Delhi: Motilal Banarsidass, 1993
- Appendix 1. The Six Limits & Four Modes pp.161-166 in The Light of Wisdom Volume 1. Root text by Padmasambhava and commentary by Jamgön Kongtrül the Great. Published by Shambhala Publications ISBN 0-87773-566-2
- Khenpo Palden Sherab & Khenpo Tsewang Dongyal, Tara's Enlightened Activity: an oral commentary on the Twenty-one Praises to Tara. Pages 35-37. ISBN 9781559392877