Within the Jonang tradition, the teaching of the Two Truths is reframed around buddha‑nature and the doctrine of “other‑emptiness” (zhentong). Conventional truth refers to all conditioned, dependently arisen phenomena—the world of appearances, concepts, and ordinary mental activity. These appearances are regarded as empty of inherent existence, deceptive and illusory, like dreams or mirages, and thus are described as “self‑empty” (rangtong). Ultimate truth, by contrast, is identified with buddha‑nature or dharmadhātu, an unconditioned, luminous awareness that is permanent and non‑deceptive. This ultimate reality is said to be empty only of what is “other” than itself—namely, adventitious defilements and conceptual fabrications—yet not empty of its own enlightened qualities such as wisdom and compassion.

Because of this, Jonang thinkers attribute a stronger ontological status to ultimate truth than is typically found in other Tibetan Madhyamaka schools. Ultimate truth is affirmed as truly existent, eternal, and endowed with infinite Buddha qualities, whereas conventional truth is merely nominal, lacking true reality and serving only as a deceptive appearance. The Two Truths therefore do not simply represent two perspectives on a single neutral reality, but rather delineate two radically different levels: the fleeting, illusory domain of samsaric appearances and the abiding, non‑deceptive ground of buddha‑nature. Buddha‑nature is not treated as a mere potential or a simple negation, but as a fully present, positive reality that is temporarily obscured.

This understanding has direct implications for contemplative practice and the path. On the one hand, practitioners are encouraged to recognize the emptiness of all conventional phenomena, loosening attachment to the illusory play of samsara. On the other hand, they are guided to stabilize in direct, nonconceptual experience of the ultimate—luminous, aware buddha‑nature that is already complete with enlightened qualities. The Two Truths thus provide a framework for a twofold realization: disillusionment with deceptive appearances through insight into their emptiness, and confidence in an indestructible, ever‑present basis for awakening through recognition of ultimate reality.