The Two Truths of the Middle Way: A Summary Explanation
In general, there are two extremes—the extreme of existence and the extreme of non-existence. Everything that exists is free from these two extremes. This book, for example, is free from the extreme of existence because it does not exist inherently, and it is free from the extreme of non-existence because it does exist conventionally. By understanding the two truths we shall realize the middle way that is free from the two extremes:
Non-existence The Middle Way Existence Utter Non-existence Ultimate Non-existence
Conventional Existence
Inherent Existence Most people veer towards the extreme of existence, thinking that if something exists it must exist inherently, thus exaggerating the way in which things exist without being satisfied with them as mere name. Others may veer towards the extreme of non-existence, thinking that if phenomena do not exist inherently they do not exist at all, thus exaggerating their lack of inherent existence. We need to realize that although phenomena lack any trace of existence from their own side, they do exist conventionally as mere appearances to a valid mind. (Geshe Kelsang Gyatso, Eight Steps to Happiness: the Buddhist Way of Loving Kindness, pp. 195-196, © 2000)
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