This book is a study of the Madhyamika Philosophy in all its major aspects. In the author's view, the Madhyamika philosophy created a revolution in Buddhism and was a radical turning point in the evolution of Buddhist thought. The book is divided into three parts. The first part traces the history, origin, development and influence of the Madhyamika philosophy. The second part contemplates on a critical analysis of the Madhyamika philosophy, the structure, objections against and the application of its dialectic. It also focuses on the conception of the absolute and its ethics and religion. The final part of the book compares the Madhyamika philosophy and the allied systems of some of the acclaimed western dialectical systems of Kant, Hegel and Bradley. It also comprises of a brief study of the different absolutes in the Indian systems - Madhyamika, Vijnanavada and the Vedanta.
The emergence of the Madhyamaka philosophy was a radical turning point in the evolution of Buddhist thought in terms of which the untenability of realism of early Buddhism is established. Simultaneously the Madhyamaka hastened the emergence of idealism in the form of Yogacara-vijnanavada school. Both the Madhyamaka and Yogacara-vijnanavada schools of thought of Mahayana Buddhism gave a new direction to Indian philosophy as such, and found its ultimate expression in the philosophy of Advaita Vedanta of Samkara. While delineating the various aspects of Madhyamaka thought in relation to Abhidharmic realism and Brahmanical idealism, Prof. Murti at the same time has analysed the close resemblance that occurs between the philosophy of Kant and Hegel, on the one hand, and Nagarjuna, on the other. Thus the book is a veritable treasure of information concerning the evolution of human thought in the East and West. This book is a must for such seekers of truth who would like to plunge to the depths of knowledge. |
