This definitive translation of the Mulamadhyamakakarika offers a profound exploration of Nagarjuna’s foundational Buddhist philosophy. By providing a completely new translation accompanied by meticulous annotations for every verse, this work clarifies the complex metaphysical theories that the author critiqued. It bridges the gap between classical scholastic arguments and the early discourses of the Buddha, allowing readers to trace the logical development of Madhyamaka thought. This edition serves as an essential resource for scholars and students seeking to understand the core arguments of one of history's most influential philosophical thinkers.

Why You Should Read?

• Provides a precise, modern translation of Nagarjuna’s primary philosophical text.
• Includes detailed annotations that explain the metaphysical theories being refuted.
• Connects complex arguments directly to the early discourses of the Buddha for historical context.
• Offers a clear, scholarly approach to understanding the foundations of Buddhist dialectics.

About the Author

Nagarjuna was an influential Indian philosopher and the founder of the Madhyamaka school of Mahayana Buddhism. His work remains central to the development of Buddhist thought, particularly regarding the concept of emptiness.
David J. Kalupahana was a distinguished scholar of Buddhist philosophy and a professor who dedicated his career to the study and translation of early Buddhist texts, providing critical insights into the historical and logical frameworks of the tradition.