How to Rely on Dharma Rather Than Individuals

The Dharma is the truth of reality, and all learners must base their understanding on the truth of reality. If one does not know what the truth of reality is, there are two options: first, choose to remain silent—refrain from commenting, evaluating, or taking a stance for or against. Second, strive diligently to seek and discover the truth of reality, endeavoring to verify whether a particular teaching truly aligns with the truth. Until evidence confirms it, choose silence.

In this way, blind reliance on individuals can be avoided. As long as one is not a Buddha, the teachings they expound will inevitably contain flaws and shortcomings. If one chooses to rely on a person, even those flaws and shortcomings will be followed, and the consequences will not be optimistic. Even if the teachings were originally spoken by a Buddha, as long as they were not heard directly but passed down through multiple transmissions, there is a possibility of errors or misinterpretations in the transmission. As Buddhist disciples, one should also strive to verify through direct realization whether the teachings passed down through transmission are indeed true and reasonable. Until genuine wisdom arises, one should refrain from making hasty judgments.