What Are The Two Truths?

Are there two truths? Yes, in the way in which we see. One truth is pure seeing, while the other ‘truth’ (which we believe to be truth) is relating to and interpreting whatever is seen. One comes first, while the other ignores this pure moment and starts relating. The problem with relating is holding on to interpretation or belief which fixes our behaviour, contaminating all future interactions.

This is the basis of the Buddha’s teaching.

There is absolute truth that is constant, pure awareness; it’s what we are.
And there is relative truth, where awareness forgets its uncontaminated purity, relating to everything and holding on to this relating; we mistake that for what we are.

One is natural, while the other is an invasion in the mind.
One is at ease, while the other is dis-ease.
The more we practise, the more we notice this.

Pure awareness is non-dual – appearances and emptiness are simultaneous.
Ordinary awareness which relates is duality – time is taken up with naming, speculating, judging, reacting … and we are no longer in the pure present moment. We are in our dream state.

In simple term, absolute truth is present before relative ‘truth’. Sentient beings are lost in relative truth by misunderstanding their pure presence.

It’s quite a shock to realise that the majority of the inhabitants of this planet has acquired a false view of reality. Seeing this is the teaching.

The news – or anyone’s views – is a selected version of events = relative truth. If the version of events is deliberately selected, then it’s a lie. We are absolute truth; holders of relative truth want us to deny this. They become spreaders of disinformation because they cannot help themselves.

Training in knowing the difference between absolute truth and relative truth – and realising that they are inseparable – is essential for liberation. By virtue of one, the other is known.