The first principle of the Four Reliances is relying on the Dharma, not on individuals.


https://youtu.be/SA0K0t4XYpc

When the World-Honored One entered Parinirvana,
Before his passing,
Just before departing,
Out of great compassion,
Knowing that future generations of practitioners
Would face numerous difficulties that are hard to overcome,
Buddhism bestowed upon us the Four Reliances.
The first of these is relying on the Dharma, not on individuals.
What is the Dharma?
It refers to the Buddha's teachings,
Found in the Tripitaka.
If you carefully examine the entire Tripitaka,
And do not find this particular phrase,
Then what is said is not what the Buddha said.
We believe in the Buddha,
Not in individuals.
Rely on the Dharma, not on individuals.
This is the essence of Buddhism,
Distinguishing it from non-Buddhist paths,
Dependent on whether or not there are canonical sources to support it.

https://youtu.be/U4daH3pFc_U?t=2221