The Core Idea, Theoretical Doubts, and Re-Understanding of the Theory of Śūnyatā in Madhyamaka Philosophy
With the introduction of the theory of śūnyatā (emptiness 空) in Madhyamaka philosophy from India to China, Indian Buddhism and Chinese culture have achieved a historic new convergence in their understanding of emptiness. After several evolutions of the theory of śūnyatā in Madhyamaka philosophy, som...
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| author | Zelin Zhao |
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| description | With the introduction of the theory of śūnyatā (emptiness 空) in Madhyamaka philosophy from India to China, Indian Buddhism and Chinese culture have achieved a historic new convergence in their understanding of emptiness. After several evolutions of the theory of śūnyatā in Madhyamaka philosophy, some people agree with it, while some question it, and the discussion around it has been very complicated. Determining how to fully understand and scientifically conceive of the core idea of the theory of śūnyatā in Madhyamaka philosophy and its contemporary value have become important issues in related research. Most of the existing research focuses on the theoretical interpretation of the theory of śūnyatā in Madhyamaka philosophy, but understanding and research from the perspective of life practices are still quite scanty, hindering the attainment of a comprehensive understanding and objective cognition of this theory’s actual value. The purpose of this paper is to strengthen the practical research on the theory of śūnyatā in Madhyamaka philosophy in order to fully understand and scientifically conceptualize its core ideas and contemporary value. From the two basic perspectives of past and present, in regard to both theory and practice, we will re-explore the core ideas of the theory of śūnyatā in Madhyamaka philosophy and investigate and analyze corresponding theoretical doubts. We further reveal that the theory of śūnyatā in Madhyamaka philosophy is not only a metaphysical philosophical theory in which the nature of the world is regarded as empty and its logic as consistent but also a practical piece of wisdom that views the world as empty so as to eliminate all kinds of life troubles and help people attain a better life experience. The dialectical wisdom of both the theory and practice of the theory of śūnyatā in Madhyamaka philosophy gives it very broad theoretical potential and practical prospects, making it worthy of in-depth study by relevant researchers. |
| format | Article |
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| institution | DOAJ |
| issn | 2077-1444 |
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| spelling | doaj-art-1db69e8dbcce4b6a8f78ec54182ad1542025-08-20T02:44:39ZengMDPI AGReligions2077-14442025-01-0116216710.3390/rel16020167The Core Idea, Theoretical Doubts, and Re-Understanding of the Theory of Śūnyatā in Madhyamaka PhilosophyZelin Zhao0School of Philosophy, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, ChinaWith the introduction of the theory of śūnyatā (emptiness 空) in Madhyamaka philosophy from India to China, Indian Buddhism and Chinese culture have achieved a historic new convergence in their understanding of emptiness. After several evolutions of the theory of śūnyatā in Madhyamaka philosophy, some people agree with it, while some question it, and the discussion around it has been very complicated. Determining how to fully understand and scientifically conceive of the core idea of the theory of śūnyatā in Madhyamaka philosophy and its contemporary value have become important issues in related research. Most of the existing research focuses on the theoretical interpretation of the theory of śūnyatā in Madhyamaka philosophy, but understanding and research from the perspective of life practices are still quite scanty, hindering the attainment of a comprehensive understanding and objective cognition of this theory’s actual value. The purpose of this paper is to strengthen the practical research on the theory of śūnyatā in Madhyamaka philosophy in order to fully understand and scientifically conceptualize its core ideas and contemporary value. From the two basic perspectives of past and present, in regard to both theory and practice, we will re-explore the core ideas of the theory of śūnyatā in Madhyamaka philosophy and investigate and analyze corresponding theoretical doubts. We further reveal that the theory of śūnyatā in Madhyamaka philosophy is not only a metaphysical philosophical theory in which the nature of the world is regarded as empty and its logic as consistent but also a practical piece of wisdom that views the world as empty so as to eliminate all kinds of life troubles and help people attain a better life experience. The dialectical wisdom of both the theory and practice of the theory of śūnyatā in Madhyamaka philosophy gives it very broad theoretical potential and practical prospects, making it worthy of in-depth study by relevant researchers.https://www.mdpi.com/2077-1444/16/2/167Madhyamakaśūnyatāemptiness |
| spellingShingle | Zelin Zhao The Core Idea, Theoretical Doubts, and Re-Understanding of the Theory of Śūnyatā in Madhyamaka Philosophy Religions Madhyamaka śūnyatā emptiness |
| title | The Core Idea, Theoretical Doubts, and Re-Understanding of the Theory of Śūnyatā in Madhyamaka Philosophy |
| title_full | The Core Idea, Theoretical Doubts, and Re-Understanding of the Theory of Śūnyatā in Madhyamaka Philosophy |
| title_fullStr | The Core Idea, Theoretical Doubts, and Re-Understanding of the Theory of Śūnyatā in Madhyamaka Philosophy |
| title_full_unstemmed | The Core Idea, Theoretical Doubts, and Re-Understanding of the Theory of Śūnyatā in Madhyamaka Philosophy |
| title_short | The Core Idea, Theoretical Doubts, and Re-Understanding of the Theory of Śūnyatā in Madhyamaka Philosophy |
| title_sort | core idea theoretical doubts and re understanding of the theory of sunyata in madhyamaka philosophy |
| topic | Madhyamaka śūnyatā emptiness |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/2077-1444/16/2/167 |
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