An Introduction to Madhyamaka Philosophy

This brief introduction to Madhyamaka Philosophy gives a history of the rise and growth of Madhyamaka Philosophy, and the origin, structure, development and purpose of the Madhyamaka dialectic. It elucidates the distinction between Hinayana and Mahayana in respect of pratityasamutpada, nirvana, the ideal of religious discipline, the concept of Dharma, and the concept of Buddhology. It discusses the meaning of Sunya-Sunyata and its axiological and soteriological significance. Other important features of the present introduction are the clarification of the concepts of Madhyama Pratipad, Samvrti and Paramartha Satya, Tathata, Dharmadhatu and Bhutakoti.