A study of Śāntarakṣita's Madhyamakālaṃkāra

• Main Author: Lipman, Kennard
• Other Authors: Guenther, Herbert V.
• Format: Others
• Language: en
• Published: University of Saskatchewan 2009
• Online Access: http://library.usask.ca/theses/available/etd-10192009-104749/

The aim of this study is to survey the major philo­sophical themes of Śāntirakṣita's <u>Madhyamakālaṃkāra</u> (<u>MA1</u>). We have isolated these themes into five major issues according to the major Tibetan commentary on this work, the <u>dBu-ma rgyan gyi rnam-bshad 'jam-dbyangs bla-ma dgyes-pa'i zhal-lung</u> of Mi-pham rgya-mtsho (1846-1912).<p> The <u>Introduction</u> surveys the history of the text and discusses some of the reasons for its neglect among traditional and modern scholars, this being the first major study and translation of the <u>MA1</u> in a Western language. The work is also set against the general background of the development of the Madhyamaka tradition in Tibet. <p> In the first chapter, the "methodology" of our study is outlined. We demonstrate the relevance of modern hermeneutical theories, particularly those of Hans-Georg Gadamer, for the concrete practice of text translation. The importance of the study of modern philosophy is stressed as a means whereby the translator can come to terms with his contemporary prejudices. Phenomenological philosophy is singled out as a tool for working with the issues of the <u>MA1</u>.<p> In the second chapter, the first two major issues are discussed, <u>arthakriyātva</u> (causal efficacy as the distinguish­ing characteristic of conventional reality) and <u>svasaṃvedana</u> (reflexive, non-referential awareness as the distinguishing characteristic of the mental). First, Mi-pham's introduction to these issues are translated, and then the appropriate sections of the <u>MA1</u> are likewise presented.<p> The third chapter follows the same pattern in dealing with the third major issue, Śāntarakṣita's integration of the Yogācāra tradition into his Svātantrika-Madhyamaka philosophy. A long introduction is provided on the relationship of the Yogācāra and Madhyamaka traditions, and their respective approaches to perception are considered in the light of a phenomenology of perception.<p> The fourth chapter focuses on the final two issues, which concern the specific Svātantrika contribution of the division of the ultimate truth into discursively-formulated and non-discursive aspects. Of special interest is Mi-pham's extensive commentary on these, which is considered in the context of the controversies Mi-pham was engaged in over interpretation of the Madhyamaka in the late 19th century. <p> Four appendices are attached, including a translation of the <u>Madhyamakālaṃkārakārikā</u> and Mi-pham's commentary on <u>Bodhicaryāvatāra</u> IX, 2, which deals with the relationship of the Prāsangikas and the Svātantrikas.