separation of the three truths ［隔歴の三諦］ ( kyakuryaku-no-santai): A view of the three truths found in the specific teaching, one of the four teachings of doctrine as classified by T’ien-t’ai (538–597). It holds the three truths of non-substantiality, temporary existence, and the Middle Way to be separate from and independent of one another. This doctrine is contrasted with the unification of the three truths, another view formulated by T’ien-t’ai, which perceives the three truths as three perspectives of an integrated whole. The unification of the three truths is a view revealed in the perfect teaching, the highest of the four teachings of doctrine. See also three truths.