Nagarjuna Verses on the Great Vehicle and the Heart of Dependent Origination

by Nāgārjuna, R.C. Jamieson (Translator)

No one can, perhaps, question the philosophical genius of Nagarjuna. In the dialectic of this AD second century Buddhist scholar -- also acknowledged as the founder of Madhyamika school, is seen the clearest expression of Shkyamuni Buddha's profound, even the subtlest teachings. Here is, in three parts, a brilliant critical study, with readable English translations, of this time-honoured philosopher's Mahayanavimshika (Verses on the Great Vehicle), Pratiyasamutpadahridayakarika (Verses on the Heart of Dependent Origination) and, these besides, of his prose commentary, Pratiasamutpadahridayavyakhyana (An Interpretation of the Heart of Dependent Origination).

Part 1, comprising translation, is intended to present these Buddhist texts, is an accessible form, unencumbered by any critical apparatus. Part 2 provides text -- critical material as well as other comments -- for readers interested in something more than just the translation in isolation. In part 3 are incorporated, for specialists/scholars/academics, further critical comments in the light of the Dunhuang manuscripts (c. eighth-ninth centuries ad), relating to the Pratiyasamutpadahridaya.

A remarkable combination of Jamieson's Sanskrit and Tibetan scholarship, this study is invaluable to anyone seeking a better understanding of the Buddhist philosopher and patriarch.

Genres: Philosophy

195 pages, Hardcover

First published March 31, 2001

About the author

Acharya Nāgārjuna (Telugu: నాగార్జున) (c. 150 - 250 CE) was an Indian philosopher and the founder of the Madhyamaka school of Mahāyāna Buddhism.

His writings are the basis for the formation of the Madhyamaka school, which was transmitted to China under the name of the Three Treatise (Sanlun) School. He is credited with developing the philosophy of the Prajnaparamita sutras, and was closely associated with the Buddhist university of Nalanda. In the Jodo Shinshu branch of Buddhism, he is considered the First Patriarch.