Chih-i interpreted reality as a threefold truth, a single unity with three integrated aspects, and often supported his view by quoting this verse from the Mūlamadhyamakakārikā. The threefold truth is an integrated unity with three aspects. First, emptiness (śūnyatā), or absence of substantial Being, often identified with the ultimate truth (paramārthasatya). Second, conventional existence, the temporary existence of the phenomenal world as co-arising, often identified with the worldly truth (saṃvṛtisatya). Third, the Middle, a simultaneous affirmation of both emptiness and conventional existence as aspects of a single integrated reality.

For Chih-i these three components are not separate from each other but integral parts of a unified reality. They do not form a pyramid of contrasting realities (Diagram A) but are simultaneous aspects of one reality (Diagram B).