The practical side to the threefold truth is Chih-i’s concept of the threefold contemplation of emptiness, conventional existence, and the Middle. The threefold truth refers, inadequately but with validity, to the reality of the objective realm. Threefold contemplation refers to a general pattern of practice that allows one to attain insight into the true nature of reality. As Chih-i writes in his commentary to the Vimalakīrtinirdeśa Sūtra, “Reality as the two truths and threefold truth is the objective realm which is illumined through threefold contemplation.”

The threefold truth is a major theme of the doctrinal [ Profound Meaning of the Lotus Sutra ], and this threefold contemplation is a major theme of the practice oriented [Great Concentration and Insight].