In Buddhism

Tibetan Buddhism (Vajrayana or tantric Buddhism)

Source: Google Books: The Crystal Mirror of Philosophical Systems

The Four Negative Tendencies (representing the major impediments to receiving secret teachings) are known in Tibetan as 'gro ba bzhi.—According to Thuken Chökyi Nyima (1737–1802) in the preface of his text, The Crystal Mirror of Philosophical Systems in the section called An Expression of Worship and Promise to Compose: “Many, under the sway of anger, have deprecated the Dharmas and persons of other systems without even knowing how to properly distinguish among the various philosophical systems in this land. Many, under the sway of the four negative tendencies, failing to ascertain any reason for the distinctiveness of their own philosophical system, and driven only by confusion and desire, still hold their system as supreme. In order to set them in conscientiousness, I will briefly discuss here the sources and standpoints of the philosophical systems that arose in the Holy Land of India and in Tibet and China”.

The Four Negative Tendencies are:

1. desire,
2. fear,
3. anger, and
4. confusion.

Alternatively, it may refer to the sorts of beings who are controlled by these tendencies.

context information

Tibetan Buddhism includes schools such as Nyingma, Kadampa, Kagyu and Gelug. Their primary canon of literature is divided in two broad categories: The Kangyur, which consists of Buddha’s words, and the Tengyur, which includes commentaries from various sources. Esotericism and tantra techniques (vajrayāna) are collected indepently.

General definition (in Buddhism)

Source: Shodhganga: An Analytical study of the buddhist path to elightenment

The Four Wrong Ways of treating people are to be avoided by Buddhist Rulers.—As the Buddha points out, it is the ruler who should first establish himself in dhamma, in piety and righteousness, avoiding the vices, and so give the lead to his subjects. [...] Never resting on his success, the king or ruler is expected to be kind and dutiful to his subjects: “like a benevolent father to his children”. The king given to self-indulgence, and intoxicated with the thought of authority, is not praised, but looked down upon. In order to be just, honest and upright to all, without partiality or favoritism, the ruler is expected to avoid the four wrong ways of treating people:

They are:

1. treating people with desire (chanda),
2. treating people with anger (dosa),
3. treating people with fear (bhaya) and
4. treating people with delusion (moha).

The precept about right livelihood was designed to bring true happiness to the individual and society and to promote unity and proper relations among people. Unjust and wrong ways of living apply to individuals, families and nations. A wrong and unrighteous way of life brings in its train much unhappiness, disharmony and trouble to the whole society. When a person or community succumbs to the evil of exploiting others, it interferes with the peace and harmony of society.

See also (Relevant definitions)

Partial matches: Negative.

Full-text: Fear, Confusion, 'gro ba bzhi, Anger, Desire.

Relevant text

Search found 1 books and stories containing Four negative tendencies, Four wrong ways; (plurals include: Four negative tendencieses, Four wrong wayses). You can also click to the full overview containing English textual excerpts. Below are direct links for the most relevant articles:

The Buddhist Path to Enlightenment (study) (by Dr Kala Acharya)

2.5. Right Livelihood (Sammā-ājīva or Samyag-ājīva) < [Chapter 3 - Seven Factors of Enlightenment and Noble Eightfold Path]

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