Candrakirti's Introduction to the Middle Way ( Madhyamakavatara) is a central work of Buddhist philosophy for two reasons. First, it provides an introduction to Madhyamaka, one of the three major philosophical schools of Buddhist thought (the other two being Abhidharma and Yogacara). Second, within Madhyamaka, Candrakirti's text occupies a very prominent role. This is primarily due to its enormous influence in Tibet, where Candrakirti's work became the main entry-point into the study of Madhyamaka thought. While the historical importance of the Introduction to the Middle Way for understanding a major section of Buddhist thought is evident, what makes it particularly interesting for students is the role it plays as an 'introduction'. It is one of Candrakirti's earlier works and presents a comprehensive guide to the key philosophical ideas and problems of Madhyamaka thought.
This Oxford Guide is for the philosophically interested student or scholar reading the Introduction to the Middle Way. Westerhoff's commentary focuses on the philosophical content of the text, using Candrakirti's auto-commentary as the main explicatory resource.
Candrakirti's Introduction to the Middle Way: A Guide, Jan Westerhoff, Oxford University Press, Paperback, 285 pages, $29.95
Jan Westerhoff is Professor of Buddhist Philosophy at the University of Oxford. His books include Ontological Categories (2005), Nagarjuna's Madhyamaka (2009), The Dispeller of Disputes (2010), Twelve Examples of Illusion (2010) Reality. A Very Short Introduction (2011), and The Golden Age of Indian Buddhist Philosophy (2018), all published by Oxford University Press.
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