The Distinction Between Buddhism and Non-Buddhist Teachings in Their Views on Existence and Non-Existence

As for the non-Buddhist (tīrthika) doctrine of non-existence: they see material form with their eyes, yet claim there is nothing. If it is truly nothing, why do they utter words about it? As for the non-Buddhist doctrine of existence: it is plainly evident that all material form is impermanent and empty, yet they claim it is real and indestructible. The Dharma taught by the Buddha is neither existence nor non-existence, neither existent nor non-existent; it is both existent and non-existent, and neither non-existent nor non-non-existent. To seize upon one of these aspects while disregarding the rest is the view of the non-Buddhists. The Buddha's Dharma is always perfectly all-encompassing—whether stated this way or that way, it always holds true. The doctrines of the non-Buddhists, however, can never be made self-consistent; they are self-contradictory.