Niḥsvabhãva in MÛlamadhyamakakãrikã
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Abstract
This research aims to study the concept of niḥsvabhāva (lack of inherent existence) in the Mūlamadhyamakakārikā. It is a textual research study that analyzes data through content description, focusing on understanding and interpreting the concept of niḥsvabhāva in the Mūlamadhyamakakārikā, a foundational work by Nāgārjuna that has had significant influence on Mahāyāna Buddhist thought.
This study systematically and thoroughly examines all 27 chapters of the scripture to explore how the concept of niḥsvabhāva is presented and explained in various contexts. The findings reveal that Nāgārjuna presents niḥsvabhāva to refute svabhāva, or the notion of an intrinsic, independent existence of all phenomena. He employs nine types of logical analysis and arguments, one of the key methods being the "catuṣkoṭi" (fourfold negation), which includes: existence, non-existence, both existence and non-existence, and neither existence nor non-existence. This demonstrates the principle of emptiness (śūnyatā) and the interdependent nature of all things.
The concept of niḥsvabhāva in the Mūlamadhyamakakārikā is not merely a metaphysical proposition, but also a tool to dismantle clinging and attachment, pointing the way toward enlightenment in accordance with the Mahāyāna Buddhist path. This represents the ultimate goal of practice in the Madhyamaka tradition.
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