samvrtisatya

Samvrtisatya is a Sanskrit term that translates to "conventional truth" or "relative truth" in Buddhist philosophy. It refers to the truths that are apparent and functional in our everyday experience and understanding of the world. These are the truths we use for practical purposes, communication, and navigating societal norms. Samvrtisatya is not considered the ultimate reality but rather a conceptual framework that allows us to operate within the conventional world. It is the truth of our ordinary perception, where objects and phenomena appear to have distinct and independent existences.

This concept is often contrasted with paramarthasatya, or "ultimate truth." While samvrtisatya describes how things appear, paramarthasatya describes their true nature, which is often characterized by emptiness (shunyata) and interdependence. The understanding of samvrtisatya is considered a necessary stepping stone in the path to realizing paramarthasatya. Without a functional understanding of conventional reality, it would be impossible to engage with teachings or practice meditation aimed at uncovering ultimate truth. Buddhist traditions emphasize that both levels of truth are important, and that mistaking conventional reality for ultimate reality can lead to misunderstanding and suffering.