Mulamadhyamakakarika: No.127 (Bibliotheca Indo-Buddhica S.)

Publisher: Sri Satguru Publications
Author: Kenneth K. Inada
Language: Transliterated Text with English Translation
Edition: 1993
ISBN: 9788170303855
Pages: 204
Cover: Hardcover
Dimensions: 22.5 cm x 14.5 cm
Weight: 360 gm

About the Book

This seminal work by Kenneth K. Inada presents the profound philosophy of Nagarjuna, one of the most influential Buddhist thinkers of all time, through a complete English translation of his major work, the Mulamadhyamakakarika (also known as the Karika). This text has captivated Buddhist scholars across Asia and the Western world for centuries, thanks to its deep exploration of Madhyamika philosophy and its Mahayana Buddhist teachings.

In this book, Inada provides an English translation of the 27 chapters of the Karika, accompanied by the Romanized Sanskrit verses for easy reference. Each chapter is preceded by a short introduction, offering readers a quick overview of the content, helping to navigate Nagarjuna’s cryptic yet profound teachings. This text serves as an invaluable resource for anyone looking to delve into Madhyamika, the Middle Way philosophy that lies at the heart of Mahayana Buddhism.

The book not only presents Nagarjuna’s major work but also provides an insightful introductory essay that illuminates his philosophy, reflecting on how his ideas have shaped Buddhist thought throughout history. Despite the complexity of the Karika, Inada’s translation provides clarity, while a glossary of Sanskrit terms and their English equivalents further enhances the work's accessibility.

This reprint of the work, originally published more than two decades ago, is a critical edition of the Bibliotheca Indo-Buddhica Series. It explores Nagarjuna’s thoughts on emptiness (shunyata), dependent origination, and the nature of reality, providing essential insights for both beginner and advanced students of Mahayana Buddhism, as well as scholars of comparative philosophy.

Through this work, Inada makes Nagarjuna’s unique and revolutionary philosophical ideas available to a broader audience, continuing to fuel the study of Madhyamika across the world. Whether you are an academic, a practitioner, or a curious reader, this book offers an essential perspective on one of the most important figures in the history of Buddhist philosophy.