불교의 이제설(二諦說)

Abstract

The term Mādhyamika(中觀) means the doctrine of the Middle Path (中道), that is, the middle between the two extremes of existence and nonexistence, affirmation and negation, pleasure and pain. Thorough comprehension of the empty, unreal, or relative nature of all phenomena leads to prajñā(智慧), or intuitive wisdom. When we achieve prajñā, we reach the state of absolute truth which is beyond thought and conception, unconditioned, indeterminate. This absolute truth cannot be preached in words, but, in order to indicate it, it is called śūnyatā(空). This absolute truth contains nothing concrete or individual that can make it an object of particularization. This absolute truth(眞諦) can be realized only by going through a relative or worldly level of truth(俗諦). Here we have the double level of truth(二諦) of the Mādhyamika. The relative level consists of man's reasoning and its products. In this relative level ons sees the distinctions between subject and object, truth and error, saṁsāra(世俗) and nirvāna (涅槃). This relative level is necessary because the absolute level can be understood and realized negatively only by the removal of relative truths. The removal of the relative truths must therefore precede the realization of the absolute truth. The truths attained through reasoning and the intellect are not to be discarded even though they are not final. Consequently, acceptance of the doctrine of śūnyatā, or the unreality of all phenomena, does not mean that we have to devaluate all human experience. Before attaining the final absolute truth, beings still have to move in the world of phenomenal appearances, where the laws of karma(業) and empirical understanding are applicable.