Public Dharma glossary

Paramārtha-satya

Pronunciation: puh-ruh-MAAR-thuh SUT-yuh

Canonical definition: Ultimate truth: analysis that finds no independently established essence.

Morphological structure

parama (highest) + artha (meaning, object) + satya (truth).

Canonical usage

Ultimate truth: analysis that finds no independently established essence.

Common misunderstanding

It is not a second hidden world behind conventional experience.

Practical significance

It prevents reification while relying on conventional teaching to be communicated.

Source anchor

MMK XXIV

Continue with established sources

Further reading

Open complete translations and specialist reference material for deeper study.

  • The Theory of Two Truths in India
    Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy · Sonam Thakchoe

    Place Nāgārjuna’s Two Truths teaching within its broader Indian philosophical development.