How the Middle Path Has How the Middle Path Has become a Sunyata Doctrinebecome a Sunyata Doctrine
Doctrine of EmptinessDoctrine of Emptiness
Middle Path- SunyataMiddle Path- Sunyata
Paticcasamuppada known as theory Paticcasamuppada known as theory of Cause (Hetu) and Effect (Phala).of Cause (Hetu) and Effect (Phala).
This hetu and phala become the This hetu and phala become the other way of Hetu and Phala meansother way of Hetu and Phala means
Avijja paccaya sankhara becomes Avijja paccaya sankhara becomes sankhara paccaya avijja.sankhara paccaya avijja.
If so that hetu Phala will not remains If so that hetu Phala will not remains as hetu and phala any more.as hetu and phala any more.
Middle Path - SunyataMiddle Path - Sunyata
If anything is dependently originatedIf anything is dependently originated
that thing does not have its own that thing does not have its own intrinsic nature (Svatantra). That isintrinsic nature (Svatantra). That is
dependent always and exists when dependent always and exists when only the causes are there.only the causes are there.
The meaning of Sunyata is empty of The meaning of Sunyata is empty of its intrinsic nature.its intrinsic nature.
Middle Path - SunyataMiddle Path - Sunyata
That is the reason Nagarjuna That is the reason Nagarjuna mentioned “Yah pratitya samutpadahmentioned “Yah pratitya samutpadah
sunyatam tam pracaksmahe” (If sunyatam tam pracaksmahe” (If anything is dependently originated.)anything is dependently originated.)
This primary concept has been This primary concept has been provided for Arya Nagarjuna by theprovided for Arya Nagarjuna by the
Prajnaparamita literature.Prajnaparamita literature.
Middle path-SunyataMiddle path-Sunyata Prajnaparamita literature explains the Prajnaparamita literature explains the
sunyata (emptiness) and its main theme is sunyata (emptiness) and its main theme is sunyata.sunyata.
According to the Prajnaparamita literature According to the Prajnaparamita literature prajna means realization of sunyata. In prajna means realization of sunyata. In order to realize that sunyata one has to order to realize that sunyata one has to devoid of view of Atman.devoid of view of Atman.
In the same way Arya Nagarjuna pada In the same way Arya Nagarjuna pada using the theory of Pratityasamutpadausing the theory of Pratityasamutpada
Explained the relativity of all dharmasExplained the relativity of all dharmas (Sarva dhama) Sunyata.(Sarva dhama) Sunyata.
Middle Path - SunyataMiddle Path - Sunyata
The name Madhyamaka is given for The name Madhyamaka is given for this theory. This name has given by this theory. This name has given by Arya Nagarjuna.Arya Nagarjuna.
On this theory Madhyamaka On this theory Madhyamaka Philosophy has been built up.Philosophy has been built up.
This name is given for Middle PathThis name is given for Middle Path
for the Practice in Middle.for the Practice in Middle.
Middle Path - SunyataMiddle Path - Sunyata
Analysis of meaning of the Analysis of meaning of the Concept of SunyataConcept of Sunyata
In order to draw the meaning of In order to draw the meaning of Sunyata one has to go to the Early Sunyata one has to go to the Early Buddhism.Buddhism.
Later on this concept of Sunyata has Later on this concept of Sunyata has been philosophically explained.been philosophically explained.
Middle Path - SunyataMiddle Path - Sunyata
This “Sunyata” word has explainedThis “Sunyata” word has explained in Pali as “Sunnata”.in Pali as “Sunnata”. This Sunnata has properly defined in This Sunnata has properly defined in
Pali Nikayas.Pali Nikayas. This primarily we can see in two This primarily we can see in two
occasions.occasions. One occasion is in the Samyutta One occasion is in the Samyutta
Nikaya how the Asankhatagami Nikaya how the Asankhatagami magga (Uncondition Path) explained.magga (Uncondition Path) explained.
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(Katamoca bhikkhave asankhatagami(Katamoca bhikkhave asankhatagami
maggo. Sunnata samadhi, Animittamaggo. Sunnata samadhi, Animitta
samadhi and Appanihita samadhi.samadhi and Appanihita samadhi.
Ayam vuccati bhikkhave Asankhata –Ayam vuccati bhikkhave Asankhata –
gami maggo). “Monks, what is gami maggo). “Monks, what is Asankhatagamimagga (unconditionAsankhatagamimagga (uncondition
Path). That is Sunnata SamadhiPath). That is Sunnata Samadhi
Middle path - SunyataMiddle path - Sunyata
(Concentration on Emptiness), (Concentration on Emptiness), Animitta samadhi (Concentration on Animitta samadhi (Concentration on Signlessness), Appanihita samadhiSignlessness), Appanihita samadhi
(Concentration on wishlessness). This(Concentration on wishlessness). This is the Asankhatagami magga. is the Asankhatagami magga.
(S.IV.360).(S.IV.360). In order to achieve these In order to achieve these
concentrations the methods of concentrations the methods of
Middle Path - SunyataMiddle Path - Sunyata
Meditations also have been pointed Meditations also have been pointed out. Those are: out. Those are: 1. By Anatta Bhavana – Sunnata 1. By Anatta Bhavana – Sunnata SamadhiSamadhi2. By Dukha Bhavana - Appanihita 2. By Dukha Bhavana - Appanihita samadhisamadhi3. By Anicca Bhavana - Animitta 3. By Anicca Bhavana - Animitta
samadhisamadhi
Midde Path - SunyataMidde Path - Sunyata
Here it as been indicated that to Here it as been indicated that to
realize Sunnata one has to haverealize Sunnata one has to have
Anatta bhavana.Anatta bhavana. This has been further elaborated inThis has been further elaborated in
the Mogharaja Manava Puccha inthe Mogharaja Manava Puccha in
Sutta Nipata.Sutta Nipata.
Middle Path - SunyataMiddle Path - Sunyata
““Sunnato lokam avekkhassuSunnato lokam avekkhassu
Mogharajo sada satoMogharajo sada sato
Attanuditthim uhaccaAttanuditthim uhacca
Evam maccutaro siyaEvam maccutaro siya
Evam lokam avekkhantam Evam lokam avekkhantam
Maccuraja na passati”Maccuraja na passati”
(Moghraja with ever mindfulness you(Moghraja with ever mindfulness you
Middle Path - SunyataMiddle Path - Sunyata
Have to see the world. (What kind ofHave to see the world. (What kind of mindfulness?), You must get rid of mindfulness?), You must get rid of
atta-ditthi (Self-view). By this way atta-ditthi (Self-view). By this way you can cross over the Mara. If you can cross over the Mara. If anyone sees the Loka (world) by this anyone sees the Loka (world) by this way, the king of the death way, the king of the death (Maccaraja)will not see him.(Maccaraja)will not see him.
In here very important Idea has In here very important Idea has givengiven
Middle path- SunyataMiddle path- Sunyata
That is the Sunyata means to get rid That is the Sunyata means to get rid of self-view.of self-view.
In order to get rid of self view one In order to get rid of self view one has to have Prajna (Wisdom). has to have Prajna (Wisdom). Without prajna no one will be able to Without prajna no one will be able to
realize Anicca (Impermanency), realize Anicca (Impermanency), Dukkha (Suffering) and non-selfDukkha (Suffering) and non-self
(Anatta).(Anatta).
Middle Path - SunyataMiddle Path - Sunyata
That has been mentioned in the That has been mentioned in the Dhammapada.Dhammapada.
1.Sabbe sankhara aniccati 1.Sabbe sankhara aniccati Yada pannaya passatiYada pannaya passati Atha nibbindati dukkheAtha nibbindati dukkhe Esa maggo visuddhiya.Esa maggo visuddhiya. 2. Sabbe sankhara dukkhati………….2. Sabbe sankhara dukkhati…………. 3. sabbe Dhamma anattati…………….3. sabbe Dhamma anattati…………….
Middle Path - SunyataMiddle Path - Sunyata
(If anyone views all conditioned (If anyone views all conditioned things are anicca (Impermanent) things are anicca (Impermanent) then he becomes disgusted with the then he becomes disgusted with the
suffering (Dukkha).This is the path tosuffering (Dukkha).This is the path to
purify). This clearly shows that to purify). This clearly shows that to realize imparmanency, suffering and realize imparmanency, suffering and non-self one has to have Prajna non-self one has to have Prajna (wisdom). (wisdom).
Middle Path - SunyataMiddle Path - Sunyata
Mahayanists saw these factors Mahayanists saw these factors clearly and to explain that they haveclearly and to explain that they have
started literature in the name of started literature in the name of
Prajnaparamita (Perfection of Prajnaparamita (Perfection of Wisdom).Wisdom).
For this literature of discourses For this literature of discourses (Sutras) they named Prajnaparamita(Sutras) they named Prajnaparamita
in order to show the importance of in order to show the importance of
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Prajna and to show the Prajna and to show the Prajnaparamita which has to developPrajnaparamita which has to develop
by a Bodhisattva to become a by a Bodhisattva to become a Buddha.Buddha.
Though it has explained in early Though it has explained in early Buddhism the importance of PannaBuddhism the importance of Panna
in order for the realization of in order for the realization of Nibbana, Mahayanikas attempted to Nibbana, Mahayanikas attempted to
Middle Path - SunyataMiddle Path - Sunyata
Show it through the PrajnaparamitaShow it through the Prajnaparamita
literature.literature. Mahayanists in their Sutras explained Mahayanists in their Sutras explained
only the Bodhisattva practice and only the Bodhisattva practice and explained the Prajnaparamita as theexplained the Prajnaparamita as the
special paramita that the Bodhisatta special paramita that the Bodhisatta has to practice.has to practice.
Middle Path - SunyataMiddle Path - Sunyata
There are about 27 Prajnaparamita There are about 27 Prajnaparamita
Sutras and the original sutras only Sutras and the original sutras only about few of them and we come about few of them and we come across others appear in there across others appear in there Chinese and Tibetan translations.Chinese and Tibetan translations.
Among those Astasahasrika Among those Astasahasrika Prajnaparamita considered as the Prajnaparamita considered as the
Earliest one.Earliest one.
Middle Path - SunyataMiddle Path - Sunyata
Because of the validity of this SutraBecause of the validity of this Sutra
as an earliest one Arya Nagarjuna as an earliest one Arya Nagarjuna also written a commentary in the also written a commentary in the name of Mahaprajnaparamita sastra.name of Mahaprajnaparamita sastra.
This sutra especially discusses theThis sutra especially discusses the
full-filling of prajnaparamita by the full-filling of prajnaparamita by the Bodhisattva.Bodhisattva.
Middle Path - SunyataMiddle Path - Sunyata
In this Sutra mentions six ParamitasIn this Sutra mentions six Paramitas
that the Bodhisattva has to practice.that the Bodhisattva has to practice. Those are Dana (Generosity),SilaThose are Dana (Generosity),Sila
(Morality), Ksanti (Patience), Virya(Morality), Ksanti (Patience), Virya
(Effort), Dhyana (Concentration)(Effort), Dhyana (Concentration)
Prajna (Wisdom).Prajna (Wisdom). When fulfilling these ParamitasWhen fulfilling these Paramitas
Mddle Path - SunyataMddle Path - Sunyata
Prajna paramita will be the primary Prajna paramita will be the primary Paramit and witout the connection of Paramit and witout the connection of Prajna paramita the other paramtas Prajna paramita the other paramtas even do not get the name Paramita.even do not get the name Paramita.
““Sarvasu kausika satsu paramitasuSarvasu kausika satsu paramitasu bodhisatto Mahasatvanscarati. Api bodhisatto Mahasatvanscarati. Api tu khalu punah kausika Prajnaparami-tu khalu punah kausika Prajnaparami- Taiva atra purvangama. Taiva atra purvangama.
Bodhisattvasya MahasattvasyaBodhisattvasya Mahasattvasya
Middle Path - SunyataMiddle Path - Sunyata
Danam va dadatah, Silam va Danam va dadatah, Silam va raksatah, ksantam va raksatah, ksantam va sampadayamansya, Viryam va sampadayamansya, Viryam va
Arabhamanasya, dhyanam a Arabhamanasya, dhyanam a sampadayamanasya,dharma va sampadayamanasya,dharma va vipasyatah, Bodhisattasya Mahavipasyatah, Bodhisattasya Maha
sattvasya prajnaparamiaivatra sattvasya prajnaparamiaivatra
purvangama. Na ca kausika asampurvangama. Na ca kausika asam
Mddle Path - SunyataMddle Path - Sunyata
Sannam paramitanam mupayakaus-Sannam paramitanam mupayakaus-
alya parigrahitanam prajnaparamita alya parigrahitanam prajnaparamita
parinamitanam Sarvajnata parinamitanam Sarvajnata parinamitanam visesah na ca na na parinamitanam visesah na ca na na karanam upalabhyate”.karanam upalabhyate”.
(The Buddha says, Kausika, the (The Buddha says, Kausika, the Bodhisattva the great being, walks in Bodhisattva the great being, walks in all these perfections. But Kausika all these perfections. But Kausika
Middle Path - SunyataMiddle Path - Sunyata
Here the Praqjnaparamita will be theHere the Praqjnaparamita will be the
predecessor. When the Bodhisattva predecessor. When the Bodhisattva offers things, protect morals, offers things, protect morals, patience is procured, efforts starts,patience is procured, efforts starts,
Enters to the attainments, when seen Enters to the attainments, when seen the Dharmas through the insight,the Dharmas through the insight,
Prajnaparamita will be the Prajnaparamita will be the predecessor for the Bodhisattva andpredecessor for the Bodhisattva and
Middle Path - SunyataMiddle Path - Sunyata
And the Great being (Mahasattva).And the Great being (Mahasattva).
Kausika, when these six Paramitas Kausika, when these six Paramitas are grasped by the skillfulness and are grasped by the skillfulness and the Prajnaparamita and bending the Prajnaparamita and bending towards all knowledge these two are towards all knowledge these two are not sepwerate things and there is no not sepwerate things and there is no difference between these two).difference between these two).
In this manner it is mentioned thatIn this manner it is mentioned that
Middle Path - SunyataMiddle Path - Sunyata
The Bodhisattva should necessarily The Bodhisattva should necessarily practice the six perfections and in all practice the six perfections and in all
these paramitas Prajnaparamita will these paramitas Prajnaparamita will be the predecessor.be the predecessor.
Why it is said that the Pranaparamita Why it is said that the Pranaparamita should become a predecessor? That should become a predecessor? That is because the selflessness will be is because the selflessness will be realized by the Prajna. That itself is realized by the Prajna. That itself is the Sunyata.the Sunyata.
Midle Path - SunyataMidle Path - Sunyata
““Sunya eva bhagavan sarva dharmasSunya eva bhagavan sarva dharmas
tathagatenakhyatah. (Lord Buddha,tathagatenakhyatah. (Lord Buddha,
everything is sunya and this has everything is sunya and this has been said by the Tathagata). By this been said by the Tathagata). By this way it has been said that the sunya way it has been said that the sunya is the nature of everything.is the nature of everything.
The Buddha has explained the The Buddha has explained the Dharmata (Nature) of everything.Dharmata (Nature) of everything.
Middle Path - SunyataMiddle Path - Sunyata
The nature of everything is The nature of everything is inexpressable (anabilapya). (Sa cainexpressable (anabilapya). (Sa ca
sarvadharmanam dharmata anabhi-sarvadharmanam dharmata anabhi-
lapya).lapya). What has been expressed by the What has been expressed by the
Buddha as Sunya, that is infiniteBuddha as Sunya, that is infinite
(Aprameya), that is not decaying(Aprameya), that is not decaying
(Aksaya), (Ya ca Subhute sunyam(Aksaya), (Ya ca Subhute sunyam
Middle Path - SunyaMiddle Path - Sunya
Aksaya api te).Aksaya api te). If anything is sunya that is If anything is sunya that is
Aprameya. If anything is sunya that Aprameya. If anything is sunya that is Aksaya. Here the meaning is not is Aksaya. Here the meaning is not different.different.
The Buddha has expressed Dharmas.The Buddha has expressed Dharmas.
They are aprameya (there is no limit)They are aprameya (there is no limit)
Asankheyya (uncountable), AksayaAsankheyya (uncountable), Aksaya
Middle Path - SunyataMiddle Path - Sunyata
(not decaying), Sunya (Empty), (not decaying), Sunya (Empty), Animitta (Signlessness),AppanihitaAnimitta (Signlessness),Appanihita (wishlessness) Anabhisankara (wishlessness) Anabhisankara (uncondition),Anutpada (un-born).(uncondition),Anutpada (un-born). Ajatha( not produced) Abhava (non-Ajatha( not produced) Abhava (non- becoming), Viraga (Absence of desire)becoming), Viraga (Absence of desire)Nirdha (Absence of desire), NirodhaNirdha (Absence of desire), Nirodha (Ceasing) Nirvana. (Ceasing) Nirvana.
Middle Path - SunyataMiddle Path - Sunyata
But dharmata of all Dharmas are But dharmata of all Dharmas are inexpressable. Why? If there is anyinexpressable. Why? If there is any
Sunyata that is inexpressable. Sunyata that is inexpressable.
(Sarvadharma api subhute (Sarvadharma api subhute anabhilapyah. Tat kasya hetoh?anabhilapyah. Tat kasya hetoh?
Ya ca Subhute sarvadharmanam Ya ca Subhute sarvadharmanam
Sunyata, na sa sakya abhilapitum).Sunyata, na sa sakya abhilapitum).