Mūlamadhyamakakārikā : The Translation of Verses 1.1-1.2 and the Translation of the Prasannapadā Commentary Mūlamadhyamakakārikā : The Translation of Verses 1.1-1.2 and the Translation of the Prasannapadā Commentary

Abstract

In Nāgārjuna’s Mūlamadhyamakakārikā (MMK) and in Candrakīrti’s Prasannapadā (PrP) including Bhāvaviveka’s commentary the first śloka (verse) of the MMK dealt with causes of things. The texts show two different ways of their interpretation, i.e. 1. the two negations according to Sanskrit grammar and 2. the interpretation according to their schools of thoughts. The second śloka, according to both Nāgārjuna’s and Bhāvaviveka’s interpretation, there were only 4 Pratyayas (causes), similar to the Abhidharmakośa.  Whereas according to śārīputrabhidharma and Paṭṭhana – the text of southern Theravāda school, there were more than 4 Pratyayas in both names and number.