This terms refers to all that is reasonable and can be expected to occur. Among the ten powers of a Buddha, the first is knowing what is tenable and untenable (Skt. sthānāsthāna, Tib. gnas dang gnas ma yin), i.e., the natural laws that govern the world in which we live.

That which is tenable or can reasonably be expected to occur. Knowing what is possible and what is impossible (Tib. gnas dang gnas ma yin, Skt. sthānāsthāna) is counted among the ten powers of a buddha (Tib. stobs bcu, Skt. daśabala).

A “support” is the preceptor (Tib. mkhan po; Skt. upādhyāya) of a new renunciant or ordained person, who is called the preceptor’s “ward” (Tib. lhan gcig gnas pa; Skt. sārdhaṃvihārin). For at least five years after ordination, new admits to the saṅgha must live with or near a monastic mentor or “support.” If a new monk or nun wishes to travel while their mentor does not (or vice versa), the monk or nun must take a new support from among the saṅgha elders at their final destination. The new support is known as the “support instructor” (Tib. gnas kyi slob dpon; Skt. niśrayācārya) while the new monk or nun is known as their “apprentice” (Tib. nye gnas pa; Skt. antevāsika). See The Chapter on Going Forth (Toh 1, ch. 1), 1.628–1.678.

This terms refers to all that is reasonable and can be expected to occur. Among the ten powers of a buddha, the first is knowing what is tenable and untenable (Skt. sthānāsthāna, Tib. gnas dang gnas ma yin), i.e. the natural laws that govern the world in which we live.

See Edgerton 1953, p. 579.