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Nagarjuna and the philosophy of openness

1998; Association of College and Research Libraries; Volume: 35; Issue: 09 Linguagem: Inglês

10.5860/choice.35-5010

1943-5975

Nancy McCagney, nd cent. Nāgārjuna,

Indian History and Philosophy

In this innovative study of the philosopher Nagarjuna, Nancy McCagney demonstrates that the concept of space ('akasa') in early Indian Mahayana Buddhism is the root metaphor for Nagarjuna's understanding of 'sunyata', or openness. Nagarjuna's use of the term 'sunyata' was new, and contrasted with the word's use in Pali Buddhist literature. By using the word to mean 'openness,' Nagarjuna was able to elucidate, through a deeper analysis of impermanence, a consistent philosophical foundation for the truth and efficacy of Gautama's Middle Way. McCagney's book will be important for those studying Indian philosophy, Buddhism, and the philosophy of religion.