Nagarjuna

Date of Birth: Circa 150 CE

Zodiac Sign: Unknown

Date of Death: Circa 250 CE

Biography

Nagarjuna was an influential Indian philosopher and the founder of the Madhyamaka (Middle Way) school of Mahayana Buddhism. He is considered one of the most significant Buddhist philosophers after Gautama Buddha himself. Nagarjuna’s works focus primarily on the concept of “śūnyatā” (emptiness), which he argued is a core element of the Buddha’s teachings. His dialectical method involved deconstructing the presuppositions of various philosophical positions to reveal their inherent contradictions. He was born in South India and is believed to have lived during the 2nd century CE. Nagarjuna’s writings have had a lasting impact on Buddhist philosophy, particularly in East Asia and Tibet, and continue to be studied and revered to this day.

5 Interesting Facts about Nagarjuna

1. Nagarjuna is often credited with introducing the concept of “two truths doctrine,” which distinguishes between conventional truth and ultimate truth.

2. He is known for his seminal work, the “Mūlamadhyamakakārikā” or “Fundamental Verses on the Middle Way.”

3. Nagarjuna’s philosophy profoundly influenced later Buddhist thought, including the development of Zen Buddhism in Japan.

4. He is traditionally believed to have been a close associate of the Satavahana king Gautamiputra.

5. Nagarjuna is sometimes referred to as the “second Buddha” due to the profound impact of his teachings.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Nagarjuna

1. “There does not exist anything that is not dependently arisen. Therefore, there does not exist anything that is not empty.”

2. “The victorious ones have said that emptiness is the relinquishing of all views. For whomever emptiness is a view, that one will accomplish nothing.”

3. “All philosophies are mental fabrications. There has never been a single doctrine by which one could enter the true essence of things.”

4. “By using the conventional truth, the ultimate truth is taught. The ultimate cannot be taught without relying on the conventional.”

5. “Samsara does not have to be renounced; it has to be understood.”