Guidelines for Interpretation of Teachings

Guidelines for Interpretation of Teachings

Catu Pratisarana - The principle of the Four Reliances or Refuges

(from the Catu Pratisarana Sutra)

We are urged to rely on

1. The teachings and not the author or teacher (pudgala).
2. The meaning (artha) and not the letter (viyañjana)
3. The truth or explicit or definite meaning (nitartha) and not the convention or that which requires further interpretation (neyartha)
4. The knowledge, the direct knowledge (jñana) and not the information or discursive sensory consciousness (vinñana)

Mahapadesa Sutta - Authenticity of Teachings
(Diga. Nik. , Angutara Nik.)

Members of the Sanga should accept teachings as authentic if they receive it from one of the for great authorities (Mahapadesa), viz.

1. The Buddha
2. A Sangha of elders
3. A group of elder monks specializing in the transmission of Dharma (sutra), vinaya or Matrika (Abhidharma/pratimoksha)
4. A single elder specializing in transmission of these texts.

But teachings heard from any of the authorities should only be accepted if they are also in agreement with Sutra and Vinaya

Opinion
(Bhadantacariya Buddhaghosa in Diga. Nik Atthakatha (commentary) Sumangalavilasini), cited in the introduction to the Visuddhimagga translated from the Pali by Bhikkhu Nanamoli)

"One's own opinion is the weakest authority of all and should only be accepted if it accords with the Suttas"