Korea Journal of Buddhist StudiesISSN:1598-0642(Print)불교학연구회

The Four Levels of the Two Truths (四重二諦) is one of Jizang’s (吉藏) most prominent doctrines. A problem has arisen, however, since most studies conducted were based on the relevant explanations within Dacheng xuanlun (大乘玄論), which is not Jizang’s own work. Therefore, it is crucial to isolate the perspectives of Dacheng xuanlun in order to critically review the theoretical structure and ideas of the original theory.
A misunderstanding within this doctrine is the interpretation that the doctrine can be developed infinitely. This is based on the idea that all the levels of the ultimate truth, even that of the fourth level, can be denied on a succeeding level, thus making it an infinite regress. Therefore, this article critically examines whether this theory is an open structure that extends infinitely.
The fourth level is unlike the previous three. The mode of teaching in these three steps is not repeated in the fourth, given that it is a gateway to the principle (理門) rather than a gateway to the teachings. In other words, while the first through third levels are a gradual progression, the final one is a streamlined path toward ultimate enlightenment. Since the traditional three-level theory could be interpreted as an open and infinite framework, and the discourse within Dacheng xuanlun also contributes to the impression of infinite negation, many scholars have applied the concept of infinity to the fourth level as well.
However, upon closer examination of the discourses in Zhongguanlun shu (中觀論疏) and Shiermenlun shu (十二門論疏), the doctrine is more accurately described as a closed framework. By converting the open structure to a closed one, Jizang was able to clarify the misunderstanding that the two truths were incomplete teachings. In conclusion, he avoided the fallacy of infinite regress—that is, the idea that enlightenment cannot be reached by the two truths on any level.