Picture reality as a three-pane window, each pane offering its own view yet all part of the same frame. That’s the essence of the Threefold Truth in Tiantai thought.

First pane: Emptiness (kong). Nothing exists with a permanent, independent self. Mountains aren’t “mountains” apart from all the causes, conditions, and labels that make them seem stable. This echoes recent neuroscience research showing how perception arises from networks of activity rather than fixed objects.

Second pane: Provisional existence (shih). Even if things lack inherent essence, they still show up, day after day. Clouds drift across the sky, traffic lights change color, friendships blossom—and that bustling activity can’t be dismissed. It’s like the buzz on social media: utterly insubstantial in some ways, yet undeniably shaping opinions and actions.

Third pane: The Middle (zhong). Instead of clinging to either emptiness or form, this is the sweet spot where both are embraced simultaneously. No need to play tug-of-war between “nothing matters” and “everything’s concrete.” The Middle truth threads the needle, revealing how emptiness and provisional existence interpenetrate.

At moments when global tensions feel sky-high—from climate debates at COP summits to polarized headlines—it’s tempting to pick sides, forget nuance, and raise voices. Tiantai’s Threefold Truth nudges toward stepping back, recognizing the fluid dance of perspectives, and finding creative solutions that honor complexity.

No two ways about it: life rarely fits neat categories. By viewing experiences through all three lenses at once—emptiness, provisional reality, and their dynamic fusion—an expansive, resilient understanding of reality unfolds, inviting harmony in a world of constant change.