The next verses begin by describing what in Buddhism are called the two aspects of phenomena: also known as two truths of relative and ultimate reality. These describe the way the ordinary samsaric person perceives and experiences things in a relative way, and the way things actually are; the ultimate nature of what we perceive. Understanding these two aspects as different, but equally important––that they are the same thing from two perspectives, is critical to developing the right View.
It is said here that with practice, a yogic meditator will come to see the empty or transient nature of phenomena and develop an understanding that is not immediately available to ordinary samsaric beings. This is enlightened understanding which is not grounded in passions or attachments to objects, people, or concepts, in fact it is not of the intellect: ultimate reality can only be authentically discovered through experiencing it, because it goes beyond concepts. If we consider the act of dreaming, it is revealed to be a dream only after we have woken up.
Rinpoche emphasises the importance of gaining this insight, into our samsaric mind if we are to relieve ourselves and others of suffering.
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Dear Rinpoché,
Thank you very much for your teachings.
About utimate truth, is it the same as the ground’s reality which is without cause and condition ? (seen in the Prayer of Kuntugzangpo).
Tashi Délek,
Josée Mathiot