provisional. The true reality is a single integrated unity, and yet, it contains three facets. The Ultimate Truth is a single integrated unity, and yet, it contains three facets, which is neither vertical nor horizontal. In Chih-i’s terminology, vertical (Shu) and horizontal (Heng) indicate a conceptual understanding of reality (consisting of time and space), in which various dharmas are distinguished as having a length from beginning to end (i.e., time), and as having a range of vastness (i.e., space). Therefore, they exist either horizontally or vertically. Neither vertical nor horizontal indicates a reality that is beyond conceptualization. In this reality, all dharmas that contain the Threefold Truth are simultaneously existent. There is no distinction among them, and therefore, they are considered as neither horizontal nor vertical. Any one of the dharmas represents all dharmas, and all dharmas are included in a single dharma. Chih-states:

“When meanings are expressed through words, Emptiness is identical to the Provisional and the Middle Way. When Emptiness is clarified in terms of ‘suchness’, Emptiness of one thing leads to Emptiness of all things. When “suchness” is specified to explicate the characteristics [of dharmas], the Provisional of one thing comprises the Provisional of all things. To discuss the Middle Way as it is, the Middle Way of one thing embodies the Middle Way of all things. They are not one, two, and three, and yet, they are one, two, and three. They are neither horizontal nor vertical, and are named the Ultimate Truth.”

(Vol. 2, Page 72-73)