I must admit, I’m very impressed with AI.  I asked both Bard and ChatGPT a question about Thusness and Suchness.  The replies are surprisingly coherent.

 

What is the difference between thusness and suchness?

Suchness and thusness are two terms that are often used interchangeably in Buddhism. However, there is a subtle difference between the two.

Suchness refers to the true nature of reality, which is free from allonceptualizations and distinctions. It is the state of things as they are, without any added meaning or interpretation.

Thusness, on the other hand, refers to the act of perceiving things as they are. It is the act of seeing things without any preconceived notions or expectations.

In other words, suchness is the state of things, while thusness is the act of perceiving things.

Both suchness and thusness are important concepts in Buddhism. They are both essential for understanding the nature of reality and for living a more mindful and compassionate life.

Source: https://bard.google.com/

Is there a difference between thusness and suchness in Buddhist philosophy?

In Buddhist philosophy, the terms “thusness” and “suchness” are often used interchangeably to refer to the ultimate reality or the true nature of things. However, some scholars suggest that there may be subtle differences in their meanings.

Thusness (Sanskrit: tathata) is often translated as “suchness” or “thusness,” and refers to the way things are in their ultimate reality, beyond conceptualization and description. It is often described as the “suchness of reality” or the “thusness of things,” and is considered to be the ultimate truth of existence. According to Buddhist philosophy, the experience of thusness is the goal of spiritual practice and enlightenment.

Suchness (Sanskrit: tattva) is a term that is often used interchangeably with thusness, but may also have slightly different connotations. Suchness can refer to the inherent nature or essence of things, as well as to their appearance or manifest qualities. In this sense, it encompasses both the ultimate reality of things (thusness) and their conventional appearance or manifestation.

Overall, the terms thusness and suchness are closely related and are often used interchangeably in Buddhist philosophy to describe the ultimate reality or true nature of things. However, some scholars suggest that suchness may also encompass the appearance or manifest qualities of things, whereas thusness refers specifically to their ultimate reality beyond description or conceptualization.

Source: https://chat.openai.com/chat