Rangtong-Shentong
Rangtong and Shentong are two different ways of understanding the nature of reality in Buddhism.
Rangtong means "empty of self-nature." This idea suggests that everything we see and experience is not ultimately real, and that all things are empty or without inherent existence. Think of it like a bubble - it is real in that we can see it, but it is also not real because it will eventually pop and disappear. Similarly, everything we encounter in life is ultimately empty and without inherent existence.
Shentong means "empty of other-nature." This idea suggests that everything we encounter is ultimately real, and that all things have a fundamental nature or essence that is not dependent on our perception of it. Think of it like an apple - it is real and has a fundamental nature or essence, even if we don't perceive it correctly or don't understand it fully.
So, in summary, Rangtong and Shentong are two different ways of understanding the nature of reality in Buddhism. Rangtong suggests that everything is ultimately empty, while Shentong suggests that everything has a fundamental nature or essence. Both ideas are important in Buddhism and help us better understand the world around us.
Rangtong means "empty of self-nature." This idea suggests that everything we see and experience is not ultimately real, and that all things are empty or without inherent existence. Think of it like a bubble - it is real in that we can see it, but it is also not real because it will eventually pop and disappear. Similarly, everything we encounter in life is ultimately empty and without inherent existence.
Shentong means "empty of other-nature." This idea suggests that everything we encounter is ultimately real, and that all things have a fundamental nature or essence that is not dependent on our perception of it. Think of it like an apple - it is real and has a fundamental nature or essence, even if we don't perceive it correctly or don't understand it fully.
So, in summary, Rangtong and Shentong are two different ways of understanding the nature of reality in Buddhism. Rangtong suggests that everything is ultimately empty, while Shentong suggests that everything has a fundamental nature or essence. Both ideas are important in Buddhism and help us better understand the world around us.