The talk explores the Buddhist concept of the Two Truths—ultimate truth and conventional truth—emphasizing their relationship as discussed in the Samadhi Nirmochana Sutra. It stresses the necessity of understanding this relationship for practicing correctly, illustrating that practices perceived as dualistic are neither completely the same as, nor entirely different from, the ultimate truth. The context for these teachings is great compassion and selfless practice, with the ultimate aim being liberation from attachment through the realization of non-dual practice.

Referenced Works and Concepts:

• Samadhi Nirmochana Sutra: Central to the discussion, this sutra outlines the concept of two truths and serves as the foundation for analyzing the relationship between ultimate truth and conventional (compounded) things.

• Ultimate Truth: Described as selfless and characteristic-less, it transcends dualistic perceptions and cannot be grasped or sought consciously.

• Conventional Truth: Refers to the everyday realities compounded by dualistic thinking, from which practitioners must understand their distinction to achieve correct practice.

• Just Sitting Practice: Identified as a practice equivalent to ultimate truth, symbolizing pure non-dual awareness.

• The necessity of compassion as both a context and result of understanding the Two Truths is highlighted, emphasizing the purification of love through realization.

Main Discussion Points:

• The distinction and non-distinction between practices and ultimate truth.
• The non-duality of ultimate truth as an object of knowledge realized by non-dual awareness.
• The importance of compassion and selflessness in realizing ultimate truth.
• The role of practices like zazen in embodying non-dual awareness.

AI Suggested Title: "Embracing Non-Dual Awareness Compassionately"