For this expanse of dharmas just as it is, the…
““For this expanse of dharmas just as it is, the conventional term "ultimate reality" is used. You might object, "What do you mean? If it is not an object of any consciousness whatsoever, one is not even able to focus on it. Therefore, how can it at the same time be presented as the ultimate?" In general, in all this labeling with conventional terms, it is not the case that the direct observer of a given phenomenon is doing the labeling. [For example,] when one labels [something] with the conventional term "blue utpala,"""5 the observer of that is a [visual] sense consciousness. But this [consciousness itself] does not conceive of the attribute that is the name "utpala" or the attribute "blue color," [646] because it is nothing but mere direct and nonconceptual experiencing.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Ultimate reality is beyond concepts; labeling is a mental construct, not the thing itself.
In simple terms: Reality transcends labels.
Key Takeaway
Recognize limits of conceptual thought.
Themes
philosophy
Buddhism
ontology
Mood
contemplative
academic
Type
philosophical
spiritual
When to use this quote
- meditation
- academic study
- spiritual practice
Key Concepts
non‑conceptual awareness
emptiness
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you experience the unlabelled?
- When do labels help you?
A Different Perspective
Conceptual language can still be useful for communication.