Vaibhashika School

Phenomena: Things are compounded (cause and effect; impermanent) or uncompounded (no causes and conditions; unchangeable).

▪ Conventional truth: Phenomena (things that actually exist) are conventional truths. Imputed existence (can be broken down) – a "whole object" is imputed onto its parts (such as form or consciousness) = conventional truth

▪ Ultimate truth: Irreducible phenomena that are recognizable, even if broken down, are ultimate truths. Ultimate truth is an object that is not a collection of substantial parts, but is the actual substance – it is substantial existence and cannot be broken down (such as uncompounded phenomena).

▪ External objects: Matter is formed by partless particles (substantial, independent, fundamental particles of existence). They exist independent of the mind observing them – real objects apprehended by perception. Object and consciousness are two different entities – and a causal relationship exists between them.

▪ Differentiate between what exists as only an imputation and what exists substantially (in and of itself) and is ultimately true – that is, distinguish between what is imputed or mere appearance, and what is reality. Look at actual experience, rather than conception of experience.

Selflessness ▪ Refers to the person being empty of a permanent, unitary, and indivisible reality. (This is emptiness.) ▪ Sense of identity ("I") is a compounded phenomena (due to causes and conditions), and is therefore impermanent. Selflessness