Some people think that expedient meanings are false and…
““Some people think that expedient meanings are false and deceiving and thus should not be relied upon. Also, some Buddhists say, "We are practitioners of Madhyamaka" or "We just follow the Vajrayana," and deprecate the rest of the Buddha's teachings. Clearly, all such attitudes are completely mistaken. In general, the Buddha never said anything false or deceiving. Moreover, since all expedient meanings are pervaded by the definitive meaning, they are the methods of becoming introduced to the definitive meaning and realizing it. This is the same as when it is said that seeming reality is the means and ultimate reality is the outcome of this means. Thus, all the turnings of the wheel of dharma serve as means to cut through the entirety of reference points with regard to the way things appear and teach their true way of being.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Expedient meanings are provisional tools that point toward ultimate truth, not falsehoods; they guide practitioners toward definitive insight.
In simple terms: Provisional teachings help reach deeper truth.
Key Takeaway
Use all teachings as steps toward ultimate understanding.
Themes
Buddhism
interpretation
spiritual practice
philosophy
Mood
reflective
inquisitive
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- Study scriptures
- meditation
- dialogue with teachers
- cross‑tradition comparison
Key Concepts
Madhyamaka
Vajrayana
expedient meaning
definitive meaning
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you discern provisional from ultimate teachings?
- What practices help integrate both?
A Different Perspective
Reliance on provisional teachings may cause confusion if not linked to ultimate truth.