1. How the Middle Path Has become a Sunyata Doctrine Doctrine of Emptiness

2. Middle Path- Sunyata Paticcasamuppada known as theory of Cause (Hetu) and Effect (Phala). Paticcasamuppada known as theory of Cause (Hetu) and Effect (Phala). This hetu and phala become the other way of Hetu and Phala means This hetu and phala become the other way of Hetu and Phala means Avijja paccaya sankhara becomes sankhara paccaya avijja. Avijja paccaya sankhara becomes sankhara paccaya avijja. If so that hetu Phala will not remains as hetu and phala any more. If so that hetu Phala will not remains as hetu and phala any more.

3. Middle Path - Sunyata If anything is dependently originated If anything is dependently originated that thing does not have its own intrinsic nature (Svatantra). That is that thing does not have its own intrinsic nature (Svatantra). That is dependent always and exists when only the causes are there. dependent always and exists when only the causes are there. The meaning of Sunyata is empty of its intrinsic nature. The meaning of Sunyata is empty of its intrinsic nature.

4. Middle Path - Sunyata That is the reason Nagarjuna mentioned “Yah pratitya samutpadah That is the reason Nagarjuna mentioned “Yah pratitya samutpadah sunyatam tam pracaksmahe” (If anything is dependently originated.) sunyatam tam pracaksmahe” (If anything is dependently originated.) This primary concept has been provided for Arya Nagarjuna by the This primary concept has been provided for Arya Nagarjuna by the Prajnaparamita literature. Prajnaparamita literature.

5. Middle path-Sunyata Prajnaparamita literature explains the sunyata (emptiness) and its main theme is sunyata. Prajnaparamita literature explains the sunyata (emptiness) and its main theme is sunyata. According to the Prajnaparamita literature prajna means realization of sunyata. In order to realize that sunyata one has to devoid of view of Atman. According to the Prajnaparamita literature prajna means realization of sunyata. In order to realize that sunyata one has to devoid of view of Atman. In the same way Arya Nagarjuna pada using the theory of Pratityasamutpada In the same way Arya Nagarjuna pada using the theory of Pratityasamutpada Explained the relativity of all dharmas Explained the relativity of all dharmas (Sarva dhama) Sunyata. (Sarva dhama) Sunyata.

6. Middle Path - Sunyata The name Madhyamaka is given for this theory. This name has given by Arya Nagarjuna. The name Madhyamaka is given for this theory. This name has given by Arya Nagarjuna. On this theory Madhyamaka Philosophy has been built up. On this theory Madhyamaka Philosophy has been built up. This name is given for Middle Path This name is given for Middle Path for the Practice in Middle. for the Practice in Middle.

7. Middle Path - Sunyata Analysis of meaning of the Concept of Sunyata Analysis of meaning of the Concept of Sunyata In order to draw the meaning of Sunyata one has to go to the Early Buddhism. In order to draw the meaning of Sunyata one has to go to the Early Buddhism. Later on this concept of Sunyata has been philosophically explained. Later on this concept of Sunyata has been philosophically explained.

8. Middle Path - Sunyata This “Sunyata” word has explained This “Sunyata” word has explained in Pali as “Sunnata”. in Pali as “Sunnata”. This Sunnata has properly defined in Pali Nikayas. This Sunnata has properly defined in Pali Nikayas. This primarily we can see in two occasions. This primarily we can see in two occasions. One occasion is in the Samyutta Nikaya how the Asankhatagami magga (Uncondition Path) explained. One occasion is in the Samyutta Nikaya how the Asankhatagami magga (Uncondition Path) explained.

9. Middle Path - Sunyata (Katamoca bhikkhave asankhatagami (Katamoca bhikkhave asankhatagami maggo. Sunnata samadhi, Animitta maggo. Sunnata samadhi, Animitta samadhi and Appanihita samadhi. samadhi and Appanihita samadhi. Ayam vuccati bhikkhave Asankhata – Ayam vuccati bhikkhave Asankhata – gami maggo). “Monks, what is Asankhatagamimagga (uncondition gami maggo). “Monks, what is Asankhatagamimagga (uncondition Path). That is Sunnata Samadhi Path). That is Sunnata Samadhi

10. Middle path - Sunyata (Concentration on Emptiness), Animitta samadhi (Concentration on Signlessness), Appanihita samadhi (Concentration on Emptiness), Animitta samadhi (Concentration on Signlessness), Appanihita samadhi (Concentration on wishlessness). This (Concentration on wishlessness). This is the Asankhatagami magga. (S.IV.360). is the Asankhatagami magga. (S.IV.360). In order to achieve these concentrations the methods of In order to achieve these concentrations the methods of

11. Middle Path - Sunyata Meditations also have been pointed Meditations also have been pointed out. Those are: out. Those are: 1. By Anatta Bhavana – Sunnata 1. By Anatta Bhavana – Sunnata Samadhi Samadhi 2. By Dukha Bhavana - Appanihita samadhi samadhi 3. By Anicca Bhavana - Animitta samadhi

12. Midde Path - Sunyata Here it as been indicated that to Here it as been indicated that to realize Sunnata one has to have realize Sunnata one has to have Anatta bhavana. Anatta bhavana. This has been further elaborated in This has been further elaborated in the Mogharaja Manava Puccha in the Mogharaja Manava Puccha in Sutta Nipata. Sutta Nipata.

13. Middle Path - Sunyata “Sunnato lokam avekkhassu “Sunnato lokam avekkhassu Mogharajo sada sato Mogharajo sada sato Attanuditthim uhacca Attanuditthim uhacca Evam maccutaro siya Evam maccutaro siya Evam lokam avekkhantam Evam lokam avekkhantam Maccuraja na passati” Maccuraja na passati” (Moghraja with ever mindfulness you (Moghraja with ever mindfulness you

14. Middle Path - Sunyata Have to see the world. (What kind of Have to see the world. (What kind of mindfulness?), You must get rid of atta-ditthi (Self-view). By this way you can cross over the Mara. If anyone sees the Loka (world) by this way, the king of the death (Maccaraja)will not see him. mindfulness?), You must get rid of atta-ditthi (Self-view). By this way you can cross over the Mara. If anyone sees the Loka (world) by this way, the king of the death (Maccaraja)will not see him. In here very important Idea has given In here very important Idea has given

15. Middle path- Sunyata That is the Sunyata means to get rid of self-view. That is the Sunyata means to get rid of self-view. In order to get rid of self view one has to have Prajna (Wisdom). Without prajna no one will be able to In order to get rid of self view one has to have Prajna (Wisdom). Without prajna no one will be able to realize Anicca (Impermanency), Dukkha (Suffering) and non-self realize Anicca (Impermanency), Dukkha (Suffering) and non-self (Anatta). (Anatta).

16. Middle Path - Sunyata That has been mentioned in the Dhammapada. That has been mentioned in the Dhammapada. 1.Sabbe sankhara aniccati 1.Sabbe sankhara aniccati Yada pannaya passati Yada pannaya passati Atha nibbindati dukkhe Atha nibbindati dukkhe Esa maggo visuddhiya. Esa maggo visuddhiya. 2. Sabbe sankhara dukkhati…………. 2. Sabbe sankhara dukkhati…………. 3. sabbe Dhamma anattati……………. 3. sabbe Dhamma anattati…………….

17. Middle Path - Sunyata (If anyone views all conditioned things are anicca (Impermanent) then he becomes disgusted with the (If anyone views all conditioned things are anicca (Impermanent) then he becomes disgusted with the suffering (Dukkha).This is the path to suffering (Dukkha).This is the path to purify). This clearly shows that to realize imparmanency, suffering and non-self one has to have Prajna (wisdom). purify). This clearly shows that to realize imparmanency, suffering and non-self one has to have Prajna (wisdom).

18. Middle Path - Sunyata Mahayanists saw these factors clearly and to explain that they have Mahayanists saw these factors clearly and to explain that they have started literature in the name of started literature in the name of Prajnaparamita (Perfection of Wisdom). Prajnaparamita (Perfection of Wisdom). For this literature of discourses (Sutras) they named Prajnaparamita For this literature of discourses (Sutras) they named Prajnaparamita in order to show the importance of in order to show the importance of

19. Middle Path - Sunyata Prajna and to show the Prajnaparamita which has to develop Prajna and to show the Prajnaparamita which has to develop by a Bodhisattva to become a Buddha. by a Bodhisattva to become a Buddha. Though it has explained in early Buddhism the importance of Panna Though it has explained in early Buddhism the importance of Panna in order for the realization of Nibbana, Mahayanikas attempted to in order for the realization of Nibbana, Mahayanikas attempted to

20. Middle Path - Sunyata Show it through the Prajnaparamita Show it through the Prajnaparamita literature. literature. Mahayanists in their Sutras explained only the Bodhisattva practice and explained the Prajnaparamita as the Mahayanists in their Sutras explained only the Bodhisattva practice and explained the Prajnaparamita as the special paramita that the Bodhisatta has to practice. special paramita that the Bodhisatta has to practice.

21. Middle Path - Sunyata There are about 27 Prajnaparamita There are about 27 Prajnaparamita Sutras and the original sutras only about few of them and we come across others appear in there Chinese and Tibetan translations. Sutras and the original sutras only about few of them and we come across others appear in there Chinese and Tibetan translations. Among those Astasahasrika Prajnaparamita considered as the Among those Astasahasrika Prajnaparamita considered as the Earliest one. Earliest one.

22. Middle Path - Sunyata Because of the validity of this Sutra Because of the validity of this Sutra as an earliest one Arya Nagarjuna also written a commentary in the name of Mahaprajnaparamita sastra. as an earliest one Arya Nagarjuna also written a commentary in the name of Mahaprajnaparamita sastra. This sutra especially discusses the This sutra especially discusses the full-filling of prajnaparamita by the Bodhisattva. full-filling of prajnaparamita by the Bodhisattva.

23. Middle Path - Sunyata In this Sutra mentions six Paramitas In this Sutra mentions six Paramitas that the Bodhisattva has to practice. that the Bodhisattva has to practice. Those are Dana (Generosity),Sila Those are Dana (Generosity),Sila (Morality), Ksanti (Patience), Virya (Morality), Ksanti (Patience), Virya (Effort), Dhyana (Concentration) (Effort), Dhyana (Concentration) Prajna (Wisdom). Prajna (Wisdom). When fulfilling these Paramitas When fulfilling these Paramitas

24. Mddle Path - Sunyata Prajna paramita will be the primary Paramit and witout the connection of Prajna paramita the other paramtas even do not get the name Paramita. Prajna paramita will be the primary Paramit and witout the connection of Prajna paramita the other paramtas even do not get the name Paramita. “Sarvasu kausika satsu paramitasu “Sarvasu kausika satsu paramitasu bodhisatto Mahasatvanscarati. Api bodhisatto Mahasatvanscarati. Api tu khalu punah kausika Prajnaparami- tu khalu punah kausika Prajnaparami- Taiva atra purvangama. Bodhisattvasya Mahasattvasya Taiva atra purvangama. Bodhisattvasya Mahasattvasya

25. Middle Path - Sunyata Danam va dadatah, Silam va raksatah, ksantam va sampadayamansya, Viryam va Danam va dadatah, Silam va raksatah, ksantam va sampadayamansya, Viryam va Arabhamanasya, dhyanam a sampadayamanasya,dharma va vipasyatah, Bodhisattasya Maha Arabhamanasya, dhyanam a sampadayamanasya,dharma va vipasyatah, Bodhisattasya Maha sattvasya prajnaparamiaivatra sattvasya prajnaparamiaivatra purvangama. Na ca kausika asam purvangama. Na ca kausika asam

26. Mddle Path - Sunyata Sannam paramitanam mupayakaus- Sannam paramitanam mupayakaus- alya parigrahitanam prajnaparamita alya parigrahitanam prajnaparamita parinamitanam Sarvajnata parinamitanam visesah na ca na na karanam upalabhyate”. parinamitanam Sarvajnata parinamitanam visesah na ca na na karanam upalabhyate”. (The Buddha says, Kausika, the Bodhisattva the great being, walks in all these perfections. But Kausika (The Buddha says, Kausika, the Bodhisattva the great being, walks in all these perfections. But Kausika

27. Middle Path - Sunyata Here the Praqjnaparamita will be the Here the Praqjnaparamita will be the predecessor. When the Bodhisattva offers things, protect morals, patience is procured, efforts starts, predecessor. When the Bodhisattva offers things, protect morals, patience is procured, efforts starts, Enters to the attainments, when seen the Dharmas through the insight, Enters to the attainments, when seen the Dharmas through the insight, Prajnaparamita will be the predecessor for the Bodhisattva and Prajnaparamita will be the predecessor for the Bodhisattva and

28. Middle Path - Sunyata And the Great being (Mahasattva). And the Great being (Mahasattva). Kausika, when these six Paramitas are grasped by the skillfulness and the Prajnaparamita and bending towards all knowledge these two are not sepwerate things and there is no difference between these two). Kausika, when these six Paramitas are grasped by the skillfulness and the Prajnaparamita and bending towards all knowledge these two are not sepwerate things and there is no difference between these two). In this manner it is mentioned that In this manner it is mentioned that

29. Middle Path - Sunyata The Bodhisattva should necessarily The Bodhisattva should necessarily practice the six perfections and in all these paramitas Prajnaparamita will be the predecessor. practice the six perfections and in all these paramitas Prajnaparamita will be the predecessor. Why it is said that the Pranaparamita should become a predecessor? That is because the selflessness will be realized by the Prajna. That itself is the Sunyata. Why it is said that the Pranaparamita should become a predecessor? That is because the selflessness will be realized by the Prajna. That itself is the Sunyata.

30. Midle Path - Sunyata “Sunya eva bhagavan sarva dharmas “Sunya eva bhagavan sarva dharmas tathagatenakhyatah. (Lord Buddha, tathagatenakhyatah. (Lord Buddha, everything is sunya and this has been said by the Tathagata). By this way it has been said that the sunya is the nature of everything. everything is sunya and this has been said by the Tathagata). By this way it has been said that the sunya is the nature of everything. The Buddha has explained the Dharmata (Nature) of everything. The Buddha has explained the Dharmata (Nature) of everything.

31. Middle Path - Sunyata The nature of everything is inexpressable (anabilapya). (Sa ca The nature of everything is inexpressable (anabilapya). (Sa ca sarvadharmanam dharmata anabhi- sarvadharmanam dharmata anabhi- lapya). lapya). What has been expressed by the Buddha as Sunya, that is infinite What has been expressed by the Buddha as Sunya, that is infinite (Aprameya), that is not decaying (Aprameya), that is not decaying (Aksaya), (Ya ca Subhute sunyam (Aksaya), (Ya ca Subhute sunyam

32. Middle Path - Sunya Aksaya api te). Aksaya api te). If anything is sunya that is Aprameya. If anything is sunya that is Aksaya. Here the meaning is not different. If anything is sunya that is Aprameya. If anything is sunya that is Aksaya. Here the meaning is not different. The Buddha has expressed Dharmas. The Buddha has expressed Dharmas. They are aprameya (there is no limit) They are aprameya (there is no limit) Asankheyya (uncountable), Aksaya Asankheyya (uncountable), Aksaya

33. Middle Path - Sunyata (not decaying), Sunya (Empty), (not decaying), Sunya (Empty), Animitta (Signlessness),Appanihita Animitta (Signlessness),Appanihita (wishlessness) Anabhisankara (wishlessness) Anabhisankara (uncondition),Anutpada (un-born). (uncondition),Anutpada (un-born). Ajatha( not produced) Abhava (non- Ajatha( not produced) Abhava (non- becoming), Viraga (Absence of desire) becoming), Viraga (Absence of desire) Nirdha (Absence of desire), Nirodha (Ceasing) Nirvana. (Ceasing) Nirvana.

34. Middle Path - Sunyata But dharmata of all Dharmas are inexpressable. Why? If there is any But dharmata of all Dharmas are inexpressable. Why? If there is any Sunyata that is inexpressable. Sunyata that is inexpressable. (Sarvadharma api subhute anabhilapyah. Tat kasya hetoh? (Sarvadharma api subhute anabhilapyah. Tat kasya hetoh? Ya ca Subhute sarvadharmanam Ya ca Subhute sarvadharmanam Sunyata, na sa sakya abhilapitum). Sunyata, na sa sakya abhilapitum).