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Nagarjuna

Indian Buddhist philosopher who founded the Madhyamaka ('Middle Way') school of Mahayana Buddhism. He argued that all phenomena are empty of intrinsic nature because…

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नागार्जुन

Also known as Nāgārjuna

c. 150 – c. 250 CE · South India (Andhra region)

Traditions: Buddhist

Schools: Madhyamaka

Indian Buddhist philosopher who founded the Madhyamaka ('Middle Way') school of Mahayana Buddhism. He argued that all phenomena are empty of intrinsic nature because they arise dependently, a view that shaped Buddhist thought across India, Tibet and East Asia.

Key ideas

  • Emptiness (sunyata) as the lack of intrinsic nature (svabhava)
  • Dependent origination as equivalent to emptiness
  • The two truths: conventional and ultimate
  • Use of the tetralemma to undermine fixed views

Major works

  • Fundamental Verses on the Middle Way (Mulamadhyamakakarika)
  • Dispeller of Disputes (Vigrahavyavartani)
  • Precious Garland (Ratnavali)

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