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In Buddhism, paratantra-svabhava is one of the three forms of existence, representing the "form arising under certain conditions". This concept is part of the trisvabhava theory, which describes the states of real existence as understood by individuals at different stages of comprehension.1

Paratantra-svabhava is considered the real form of phenomenal existence, free from verbal expression and understood as the world of dependent origination (pratitya-samutpada). It serves as a pivot, transforming the illusion of conceptual construction (parikalpita-svabhava) into the ultimate truth of transcendental emptiness (parinishpanna-svabhava). This understanding is crucial for breaking the cycle of rebirth and attaining enlightenment, or nirvana.12

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