To: talk.religion.buddhism
From: cng@cgoh.hpl.hp.com (Cheh Goh)
Subject: Re: emptiness doctrine
Date: 28 Nov 1994 19:09:37 GMT
Quoting: >pgilks@ozonline.com.au (Peter Gilks) 
 
˙> There are some who beleive that Nagarjuna composed the Mulamadhyamakakarika 
˙> as an attempt to establish a deeper ontology for Buddhists amongst the 
˙> apparent diversity of the early Hinayana schools. David Kalipahana says that
˙> Nagarjuna was a Hinayanist. But a reputable Madhyamaka authority told me 
˙> that his book was 'loopy' so I didn't read it.

˙Nagarjuna is supposed to have come from the "Naga" realm -- one of the
˙eight classes of beings outside the human realm.  He is regarded as a
˙great achiever (Maha Siddha) from that realm and came to the human realm
˙to pass on the teaching as was appropriate at that time.  His view is far 
˙beyond the view of the Hinayana, and in fact, is argueably beyond the
˙view of the "mind only" Mahayana school.  Relatively speaking, not 
˙understanding what the Hinayana is about can lead to strange claims
˙such as Nagajuna being a Hinayanian, except possibly it offers a good doctorate thesis in comparative religions :-).

˙By the way, if all sentient beings have Buddha nature, a valid
˙teaching does not have to come from the historical Buddha to be valid.
˙That is where a lot of arguments arose from.  Strictly adhering to 
˙the words of the historical manifestation of Buddha Sakyamuni does 
˙not help our own liberation because we are closing ourselves up, and 
˙are not giveing ourselves a chance.

˙-- 
˙Cheh