parikalpita-svabhava

Buddhism

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July 23, 2026

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In Buddhism, parikalpita-svabhava refers to the "form produced from conceptual construction". This is how unenlightened individuals commonly perceive reality, based on conventional understanding and verbal designations. It is considered a fictitious construction, not ultimate reality.12

This concept is part of the trisvabhava, or three states of existence, which are fundamental to the Vijnanavada school of Buddhist thought. The other two states are paratantra-svabhava (the conditionally arising form of phenomenal existence) and parinishpanna-svabhava (the ultimate truth of emptiness). Understanding these states is crucial for breaking the cycle of rebirth and achieving enlightenment.1

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trisvabhava
Parikalpita-svabhava (“the form produced from conceptual construction”), generally accepted as true by common understanding or by convention of the unenlightened.
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Parikalpita-svabhava (“the form produced from conceptual construction”), generally accepted as true by common understanding or by convention of the unenlightened.
Read More