The Question of Tathagatagarbha Emptiness and(or) Essence in Indic-Tibetan Doctrinal Interpretations -- Finding Egolessness and Compassion in Difference

Date of Award

2003

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelors

Department

Humanities

First Advisor

Newman, John

Keywords

Buddha-nature, Emptiness, Difference

Area of Concentration

Religion

Abstract

The question of tathagatagarbha: emptiness and(or) essence in Indic-Tibetan doctrinal interpretations, explores the theory of buddha-nature, and the way various Buddhist doctrinal schools conceive this nature and essence of one's ontology, as well as this cause of Buddhahood. This thesis explores the way each philosophical conception understands 'buddha-nature' (tathagatagarbha) to 'exist,' over and against the conception of an 'existent' established by the Mahayana Buddhist Perfection of Wisdom teachings, and its paradoxical nature set forth in the sutras. The Indian Prasangika and Yogacara perspectives of one's ontological nature, and of tathagatagarbha's nature are explord while the Tibetan dGe lugs pas and Jo nang pas perspectives follow. As each doctrinal school philosophically understands ontological existence, and the nature of tathagatagarbha differently, this makes an effort to illuminate the non-essentialist nature of a Buddhist 'truth' defining one's existence. Considering difference illuminates that tathagatagarbha is not solely conceived, nor does it necessarily exist, as an absolute, ontological nature. Considering difference, while acknowledging the complementary facets of the Mahayana � compassion and wisdom � this thesis intends to emphasize that despite different epistemological or gnoseological conceptions of ontological existence, compassionate action is an intrinsic facet of Buddhism, while Buddhahood exemplifies compassionate action. In Buddhism, selflessness and egolessness ground compassionate action. This thesis illustrates that conceiving tathagatagarbha as an absolute existent reifies one's ontology. This reification destabilizes an understanding of emptiness and interdependence, each of which are essential to wisdom. It also destabilizes an embodiment of egolessness, which subverts the compassionate, selfless desire and action necessary for a Buddhist practitioner, a bodhisattva, and a buddha.

Rights

This bibliographic record is available under the Creative Commons CC0 public domain dedication. The New College of Florida, as creator of this bibliographic record, has waived all rights to it worldwide under copyright law, including all related and neighboring rights, to the extent allowed by law.

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