Vasubandhu · Theology

Two Truths: The Real and the Merely Useful

Vasubandhu’s distinction between conventional truth (samvrti-satya) and ultimate truth (paramartha-satya): a thing is only conventionally real if the idea of it disappears when you break it apart or analyse it (like a pot, a chariot, a self), and ultimately real only if it survives analysis - the irreducible momentary dharmas.

What you'll be able to recall

You learned Vasubandhu’s two truths: something is conventionally real (samvrti-sat) if the idea of it ceases when it is physically broken or mentally divided (a pot, water, a self), and ultimately real (paramartha-sat) if the idea of it survives all analysis - the irreducible dharmas. Explain the test he uses an…

Leads to Nagarjuna.

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