二諦義 3.26

3.26

Next, the fifth [section] explains the two truths as transcending designations. On this matter, the three great Dharma masters gave no distinct explanations. They all said: Conventional truth possesses designations, while ultimate truth transcends designations. That conventional truth possesses designations means: in conventional truth, all phenomena have both designations and referents; a designation has the function of summoning a referent, and a referent has the reality of corresponding to a designation. Just as when calling out the name 'fire', fire comes and water does not come; therefore a designation summons and obtains the referent, and the referent corresponds to the designation. That ultimate truth transcends designations means: ultimate truth has no designations; it is the transcendence of designations through the transcendence of the four forgettings. Therefore they say: 'Naming the ultimate with designations moves one ever further from the ultimate'; hence ultimate truth transcends designations.