二諦義 2.25

2.25

Question: Why clarify neither-ultimate-nor-conventional as the meaning of ultimate and conventional? Explanation: Previously, clarifying causes and conditions, the horizontal meaning shook [them]; now, ultimate and conventional as neither ultimate nor conventional, the vertical meaning uproots [them]. The horizontal meaning shakes, and the vertical meaning uproots; therefore, our school has always clarified the meaning of provisional subduing and middle-way cutting off. As for "provisional subduing": ultimate being the meaning of conventional, and conventional being the meaning of ultimate subdues their intrinsic nature. Having known the ultimate of causes and conditions, one knows that the ultimate is not ultimate; having known the conventional of causes and conditions, one knows that the conventional is not conventional. Awakening to ultimate and conventional as neither ultimate nor conventional, intrinsic nature is severed forever. For this reason, previously the horizontal subdued, and now the vertical severs.