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The coordination of mutually contradictory yet proof-established truths in one entity, as well as the reason why sometimes one truth is proclaimed and sometimes another among the existing multitude of truths, is depicted in this aphorism.
In the assertion "the soul is real," the sense of reality associated with existence cannot manifest in all ways. If it did, the soul would also be established as real in its other forms, like matter, which would imply that attributes like consciousness would also manifest in it, thereby negating its distinct nature. The very meaning of distinct nature is that it is real in its essential form and unreal in its external form. Thus, based on specific relations, both existence and non-existence are affirmed in the soul. Just as existence and non-existence, the qualities of permanence and impermanence are also affirmed therein. From a generic perspective, permanence is established, while from a specific perspective, impermanence is established. Similarly, the coordination of seemingly contradictory qualities like oneness and multiplicity based on relational distinctions is uninterruptedly present in all entities, including the soul. Therefore, all substances are considered as multifaceted in their qualities.
Further explanation: It should be noted that every entity can be dealt with in multiple ways because the proof (upapatti) of behavior arises from either the primary or secondary nature, depending on the context of the focus. Among the many truths established by relational distinctions, sometimes an object’s behavior is expressed by one truth, and at other times by its contradictory truth, which is neither unethical nor obstructed because all truths are not simultaneously evident. Based on purpose, sometimes one and sometimes another quality is highlighted. When a particular focus is being addressed, it is primary, and the other becomes secondary. The doer of an action is also the experiencer of its results. To illustrate this commonality between the soul's substance and its results, the concept of permanence is highlighted from a generic perspective. During this time, because the impermanence established from a specific perspective is not in focus, it becomes secondary; however, the state of the soul changes from doership time to experiencer time. To demonstrate this differentiation between the states of action and result, when the assertion of impermanence from a specific perspective is made, the permanence resulting from a generic perspective does not remain primary.