The Four Dharmas of Gampopa: Four Different Requests

The Four Dharmas of Gampopa make four requests, concerning mind, practice, the path and confusion itself.

What are the four requests?

In Phakchok Rinpoche's 2014 teaching, the sequence asks that mind turn toward Dharma, that Dharma become the path, that the path remove delusion, and that delusion dawn as wisdom. He connects the first with interest in practice and the second with compassionate, selfless motivation to benefit others. [1]

These are different questions to bring to a teaching: what draws me to practice, and what purpose does my practice serve? In your own notes, leave space for the teacher's explanation rather than filling both lines with the same answer.

What supports turning the mind toward Dharma?

Zurmang Gharwang Rinpoche's 2021 explanation places reflection on precious opportunity, impermanence, karma and the suffering of saṃsāra under the first theme. It also includes refuge and ethical conduct. His summary of the second joins merit and wisdom with bodhicitta, the intention toward awakening for others' benefit. [2]

In this explanation, interest has a religious context. The framework concerns liberation and awakening, not simply arranging a more efficient day. Read the surrounding teaching when you encounter a short version printed beneath a prayer.

For example, an introductory talk may discuss conduct before explaining a brief aspiration. Ask how that material relates to the line you are reading. That is a study question, not a claim that attending a talk completes the first Dharma.

How does the third request differ from the fourth?

Phakchok Rinpoche connects the third request with stable mindfulness and awareness during meditation and afterward. His fourth explanation explicitly assumes prior recognition of the nature of mind. Its instruction to maintain that state should be read with that condition attached. [1]

The words “confusion dawning as wisdom” are not permission to treat every thought or impulse as wise.

Keep the numbered teachings distinct

The four reflections listed in Gharwang Rinpoche's first theme are supporting subjects within his explanation. They are not a substitute list for the four requests themselves. [2]

A useful reading note has three parts: the request, the passage explaining it, and the point you want clarified. You could ask: “How does this explanation connect motivation with the second line? What does the condition in the fourth line assume?” These are editorial study prompts, not an additional traditional formula.

Our articles on mindfulness and alertness and the three higher trainings introduce neighboring vocabulary. Keep each account attached to its source when comparing them with these four requests.

Sources and further reading

1. The Four Dharmas of Gampopa. Phakchok Rinpoche; May 9, 2014.
2. A Teaching on the Four Dharmas of Gampopa. Zurmang Gharwang Rinpoche; April 8, 2021.

Sources checked November 1, 2026. Written with AI assistance and checked against the linked texts. The examples and brief review are supplied by this site; they do not replace instruction from a qualified teacher.