Moonshadows: Conventional Truth in Buddhist Philosophy

by The Cowherds

The doctrine of the two truths--a conventional truth and an ultimate truth--is central to Buddhist metaphysics and epistemology. The two truths (or two realities), the distinction between them, and the relation between them is understood variously in different Buddhist schools and is of special importance to the Madhyamaka school. The fundamental ideas are articulated with particular force by Nagarjuna (2nd--3rd century CE) who famously claims that the two truths are identical to one another, and yet distinct. One of the most influential interpretations of Nagarjuna's difficult doctrine derives from the commentary of Candrakirti (6th century CE). While much attention has been devoted to explaining the nature of the ultimate truth in view of its special soteriological role, less has been paid to understanding the nature of conventional truth, which is often described as "deceptive," "illusion," or "truth for fools." But conventional truth is nonetheless truth. This book therefore
asks, "what is true about conventional truth?" and "What are the implications of an understanding of conventional truth for our lives?"

Genres: Buddhism, Philosophy, Religion

272 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2010

Reviews

[withdrawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again I find myself trying to review a book whose content I am still struggling to digest. My struggles with the content are due to both the nature of the subject matter and also with my own
limitations. The 'authors', The Cowherds, are a group of 10 academics who have, working collectively and singly, to produce 14 articles on the Buddhist concept of the two truths, nominally, 'conventional truth' and 'ultimate truth'. While the authors have worked together to produce a cohesive work, it is clear that they are not always in agreement. Further, it is clear that the Buddhist philosophers with whom they are dealing are often far from being in agreement. The resulting book is both enlightening and troubling, as any good philosophy book tends to be. I thoroughly enjoyed the read, while admitting to having spent much time reading and rereading the same paragraphs over and over.

The book is highly recommended for anyone who puzzles over basic concepts of truth/reality and our perception of such. Now, I have twice written longer reviews on my own fascination with the book and the topic AND I have twice had my efforts disappear from the screen, leaving only the paragraph above. I suspect that the message for me, perhaps from GR, is that no one is likely to read my ramblings on truth, whether ultimate or conventional. I shall accept that for now. It's 2:00 a.m. I shall try again after reading The Two Truths Debate: Tsongkhapa and Gorampa on the Middle Way by Sonam Thakchoe.

[Ellison · Rating 5 out of 5]

A group of thoughtful, clearly written essays trying to understand and explain the Buddhist concepts of conventional and ultimate reality through western philosophical eyes. A very good place to start if you are interested in this sort of thing.

[Jessica Zu · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good start.