Vyavaharika

Vyavaharika is a Sanskrit term used in Indian philosophy, commonly translated as the empirical or conventional reality. The word derives from vyavahara, meaning conduct, transaction, or daily life, and denotes the world of ordinary experience in which people perceive objects, act, and relate to others.

In Advaita Vedanta, vyavaharika is one of three recognized levels of reality, alongside paramarthika (the absolute or ultimate reality) and pratibhasika (the illusory appearance, such as a snake perceived on a rope). The vyavaharika world is the level at which causal relations, space, time, objects, and social roles function and are practically valid for conduct and inquiry. It is the realm of dualities and everyday Dharma, where actions have consequences within the framework of maya (illusion or appearances) and ignorance of the true self (atman).

Practically, vyavaharika justifies ordinary knowledge and ethics: one can verify experiences, perform tasks, and engage in commerce and social life. However, from the perspective of ultimate truth, vyavaharika is not final or absolute; it is considered dependent on consciousness and is ultimately subsumed under Brahman in Advaita’s non-dual perspective. This does not negate its usefulness; it provides a pragmatic stage for living while pursuing higher knowledge that reveals paramarthika reality.

Some contexts distinguish vyavaharika from purely theoretical constructs by stressing its experiential validity in daily life, while noting that it operates within a framework of deeper, non-dual reality.