The Word of the Buddhas

Through four factors is an inspired utterance the word of the Buddhas.

What four?

(i) . . . the inspired utterance is connected with truth, not untruth;

(ii) it is connected with the Dharma, not that which is not the Dharma;

(iii) it brings about renunciation of moral taints not their increase; and

(iv) it shows the laudable qualities of nirvana, not those of the cycle of rebirth.

---Shantideva---