The emphasis on one’s self-reliance and self-effort is an underlying universal timeless teaching of the Buddha. For indeed, according to the Buddha Dhamma, to actualize whatever aim, objective, or goal in life must rely on Self-reliance and Self-effort as pinpointed by the Buddha.
This fundamental axiom of the Buddha applies to each and everyone, regardless of whether the aspiration is spiritual or mundane in nature.
This life lesson is succinctly encapsulated in the Dhammapada thus:
No External Being or Power can ensure one’s success, well-being, happiness, and inner peace. By one’s own right effort are these actualized. This is the Universal law of Life and Nature, which we must be ever-mindful.