二諦義 2.76

2.76

Next, to examine the meaning of a single proposition in the sūtras. In the Mahāparinirvāṇa Sūtra, Mañjuśrī asked about the meaning of the two truths, saying: 'Is the ultimate meaning present within conventional truth? Is conventional truth present within the ultimate meaning? If it is present, then it is a single truth of meaning. If it is not present, would that not make what the Tathāgata spoke false?' The Buddha replied: 'Conventional truth is itself the ultimate truth. Having good skillful means, he complies with sentient beings to teach that there are two truths.' This clarifies that in principle there is only one truth and there are not two truths; it is only in compliance with sentient beings that two truths are taught.