Is the word 'real' synonymous with 'exists' in Buddhist doctrine? Are these two words synonymous? Is everything that exists, real? Is everything real, an existent? What is a proper relationship between the words &quot;real&quot; and &quot;exists&quot; in the context of Buddhist doctrine? What is a proper definition of &quot;real&quot; and of &quot;exists&quot; in the context of Buddhist doctrine?
Are dreams real? Do they exist? Are illusions real? Do they exist? Are chairs real? Do they exist? Are persons real? Do they exist? Is the son of a barren woman real? Do they exist? Is there anything that is real, but does not exist?
What do we really mean when we say something is real? Pun intended.
In the conventional truth, mirages exist and are real as a mirage but not real as water. Dreams exist and are real as dream but not as a play in a theater.
So there is nothing which can be said conventionally existing but unreal because it is real in that way it is called to exist.
Conventionally existent Buddhas alleviate the conventionally existing suffering of conventionally existent sentient beings.
The suffering sentient beings are conventionally existent and are also conventionally real.
Conventionally existent Buddhas however don't alleviate the conventionally unreal and nonexistent suffering of the son of a barren woman.
I think this answer by @Tenzin Dorje to a related question may be relevant too.