Four modes

Four modes (Skt. caturvidha; Wyl. tshul bzhi) are:

1. literal (or morphemic) (tshig gi tshul)
2. general (spyi'i tshul)
3. hidden (sbas pa'i tshul)
4. ultimate (mthar thug gi tshul)

Alternative Translations

• Four programs of interpretation (Thurman)

• Four styles (Matthew Kapstein)

1. lexical
2. general
3. concealed
4. conclusive

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

Internal Links

• Lamrim Yeshe Nyingpo
• Six limits