Overview
Orthodox Theravāda hermeneutics relies heavily on the distinction between two types of truth. This framework ensures that the Buddha’s teachings are interpreted correctly without falling into contradictions. Without this distinction, one might confuse everyday conventional language with the ultimate reality of elements (dhammā).
The List
- Sammuti-sacca - Conventional Truth: Truth that relies on conceptual designations (paññatti) such as “person,” “tree,” “chariot,” or “I.” It is completely valid in everyday discourse and used by the Buddha to explain morality and worldly functions.
- Paramattha-sacca - Ultimate Truth: Truth pertaining to the irreducible realities of existence (mentality and materiality) which exist independently of conceptual labels. At this level, there are no “beings” or “persons,” only aggregates, sense bases, and elements.
Textual References
- Canonical: Neyyattha Sutta (AN 2.21) – The Buddha warns against confusing statements whose meaning requires inference (conventional) with those whose meaning is fully drawn out (ultimate).
- Commentary: Manorathapūraṇī – Explicitly defines the terms sammuti and paramattha, explaining that the Awakened Ones use both truths masterfully without delusion.