Nagarjuna
Ārya Nāgārjuna
c. 150-250 • Indian
Buddhism
2nd-century Indian Buddhist philosopher, founder of the Madhyamaka ('Middle Way') school. His Mūlamadhyamakakārikā develops the doctrine of śūnyatā (emptiness) — that no phenomenon possesses inherent existence — through razor-sharp dialectical analysis.
Key Works
- Mūlamadhyamakakārikā
- Letter to a Friend
- Precious Garland
111
quotes in library
Quotes by Nagarjuna
111 quotes“Through wisdom, all bondage falls away.”
wisdomSuhrllekha
“Examine the body — head to foot. What is there to call 'mine'?”
non-selfSuhrllekha
“Each part — bone, blood, breath — arises from causes, dissolves with conditions.”
impermanenceSuhrllekha
“Cling to nothing — for nothing is yours to keep.”
non-clingingSuhrllekha
“Even the moon, the sun, the mountains will pass.”
impermanenceSuhrllekha
“What then will not pass?”
impermanenceSuhrllekha
“Only this: the awakened heart that has seen through illusion.”
awakeningSuhrllekha
“Compassion is the natural expression of wisdom.”
compassionBodhicittavivarana
“To see emptiness without compassion is half-seeing.”
compassionBodhicittavivarana
“To act with compassion without wisdom is blind.”
wisdomBodhicittavivarana
“The two arise together — like wings of a bird.”
unityBodhicittavivarana
“With both, beings cross the ocean of suffering.”
liberationBodhicittavivarana
“That essence is veiled by transient defilements.”
obscurationBodhicittavivarana
“Remove the veils, and the inner sun shines.”
realizationBodhicittavivarana
“This is the sum of practice.”
essenceBodhicittavivarana
“Wisdom is not a thing acquired; it is a veil removed.”
realizationBodhicittavivarana
“Reasoning is the cleansing of the mirror.”
discriminationMulamadhyamakakarika prologue
“When the mirror is clean, the buddha-nature shines forth.”
realizationMulamadhyamakakarika prologue
“Examine — do not believe.”
inquiryVigrahavyavartani
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