'The triple truth，' or 'threefold truth' The Tiantai term used to explain reality in three aspects. （1） kongdi 空谛， the 'truth of emptiness'， i.e.， all existences are empty and non-substantial in essence. （2） jiadi 假谛， truth of temporariness， i.e.， all existences are temporary manifestations produced by causes and conditions. （3） zhongdi 中谛，' truth of the mean'， i.e.， the absolute reality of all existences cannot be explained in either negative or affirmative terms.