[Solved] Nagarjuna and the Doctrine of Shunyata (Voidness)

The Doctrine of void (Shunyata) was propounded by the Buddhist philosopher:

[U.P.P.C.S. Prelims 1998]

Detailed Solution & Historical Context

Concept

Shunyata (Emptiness or Voidness) is a fundamental concept in Mahayana Buddhism, suggesting that all things are empty of an independent, permanent self or essence.

Authentic Source Evidence

Nagarjuna (2nd century CE) is the primary architect of the Madhyamaka (Middle Way) school. He used logical dialectics to prove that since all things arise dependently (Pratityasamutpada), they are 'empty' of inherent existence.

Analytical Breakdown

Logic 1: Option A is correct. Nagarjuna's 'Mulamadhyamakakarika' is the foundational text for the Shunyata doctrine.

Logic 2: Nagasena (B) is famous for the 'Milinda Panha'. Ananda (C) was Buddha's close disciple. Ashvaghosha (D) was a poet who wrote the 'Buddhacharita'.

Conceptual Deep Dive & Logic

"Does 'Shunyata' mean that nothing exists?"

No, it means that things exist only in relation to other factors, not by themselves; it is a rejection of 'independent' existence, not existence itself.

Examiner's Mindset & Pro-Tip

"Nagarjuna's doctrine of voidness was a radical development that bridge the gap between early Buddhist logic and the later mystical traditions of Zen and Tibetan Buddhism."

Topic Clusters (click to see related topic questions)

Madhyamaka 4 Dependent Origination 3 Sunyata 3

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