A study of Śāntarakṣita's Madhyamakālaṃkāra
Date
1979
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Doctoral
Abstract
The aim of this study is to survey the major philosophical
themes of Śāntarakṣita's Madhyamakālaṃkāra (MA1). We have isolated these themes into five major issues according to the major
Tibetan commentary on this work, the dBu-ma rgyan gyi rnam-bshad 'jam-dbyangs bla-ma
dgyes-pa'i zhal-lung of Mi-pham rgya-mtsho (1846-1912).
The Introduction 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 MA1 in a Western language. The work is also set against the
general background of the development of the Madhyamaka tradition in Tibet.
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 MA1.
In the second chapter, the first two major issues are discussed,
arthakriyātva (causal efficacy as the distinguishing characteristic of
conventional reality) and svasaṃvedana (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 MA1 are likewise presented.
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.
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.
Four appendices are attached, including a translation of the
Madhyamakālaṃkārakārikā; and Mi-pham's commentary on
Bodhicaryāvatāra IX, 2, which deals with the relationship of the Prāsangikas and the Svātantrikas.
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Degree
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
Department
Far Eastern Studies
Program
Far Eastern Studies