Train with the two truths throughout all activities
Hold both relative reality (things matter) and ultimate reality (things are empty of fixed essence) simultaneously.
Key takeaways
- What it is: Hold both relative reality (things matter) and ultimate reality (things are empty of fixed essence) simultaneously.
- Why it works: The two-truths teaching prevents two errors: nihilism (nothing matters because it’s all empty) and fixation (this situation is permanently, solidly terrible). Holding both simultaneously creates the cognitive flexibility to take situations seriously while not being devastated by them — a form of cognitive defusion from one’s own worst appraisals.
- Evidence: Plausible mechanism, limited direct outcome data.
- Avoid: Using the ultimate truth as a bypass — dismissing the relative truth with "it’s all empty anyway" is spiritual bypassing, not practice.
Why it works
The two-truths teaching prevents two errors: nihilism (nothing matters because it’s all empty) and fixation (this situation is permanently, solidly terrible). Holding both simultaneously creates the cognitive flexibility to take situations seriously while not being devastated by them — a form of cognitive defusion from one’s own worst appraisals.
How to do it
- 1When a situation feels catastrophic, ask: "What is the relative truth here (this is genuinely hard)?" and "What is the ultimate truth (is this as solid and permanent as it feels)?"
- 2Don’t use the ultimate truth to bypass the relative — feel both.
- 3Practise with small difficulties before bringing it to large ones.
- 4The Tibetan teaching is that this is worked with over a lifetime, not mastered in a session.
What the evidence says
MechanisticCognitive defusion (ACT) research shows that holding thoughts at a distance — rather than fusing with them as literal truths — reduces distress. The two-truths practice is a contemplative parallel to this mechanism.
Honest caveat: The connection between two-truths practice and cognitive defusion is a mechanistic analogy; the practice is traditional and has not been studied clinically in this form.
Common mistake
Using the ultimate truth as a bypass — dismissing the relative truth with "it’s all empty anyway" is spiritual bypassing, not practice.
IX Coach helps you notice when you’re fused with a catastrophic appraisal and practise holding both truths about a difficult situation.
Practice this with IX Coach →