Summary: Series Description: The Buddhist philosopher Nagarjuna (ca. 150 C.E.) famously articulated the notion of emptiness or sunyata as a tool for understanding ultimate reality. Based on selected primary texts such as his Wisdom, this seminar explores Nagarjuna's thought and its powerful effect on subsequent Buddhist philosophy. Inquiring into the key concept of sunyata, we will see how it relates to interdependence and compassion, and we will ask how it is possible to experience sunyata in meditative practice. Episode Description: John opens this Saturday afternoon session by addressing the question: "why do we have this belief that our concepts of time, space, self, etc. are essential?" Another participant asks a question regarding the role of justice in Buddhism, specifically within the context of sunyata. John then continues on to discuss Buddha-nature and that Nagarjuna offers that this is a transformative process. That sunyata does not offer an escape into paradise, or stoping into nothingness. Rather "there is no distinction between samsara and nirvana." John introduces the idea that there is a very important "connection through the nature of the mind itself between emptiness and compassion." For teacher BIO, please see Part 1. To access the entire series, please click on the link below: Revealing Nagarjuna Series: All 12 Parts
