Four modes

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:

1. linguistic (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

• (Khenpo Palden Sherab & Khenpo Tsewang Dongyal)

1. 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

Internal Links

• Lamrim Yeshe Nyingpo
• Six limits