Buddhist philosophy is a multifaceted tradition with numerous philosophers who have significantly shaped its development over centuries. Here is an extended list of influential Buddhist philosophers and a brief overview of their contributions and philosophies.
1. Gautama Buddha (c. 563/480 – c. 483/400 BCE)
Philosophy: Foundational Teachings of Buddhism
Contributions: The Buddha’s teachings form the core of all Buddhist philosophy. He articulated the Four Noble Truths, the Eightfold Path, and the concept of dependent origination (pratītyasamutpāda). His teachings emphasize the cessation of suffering (dukkha) through ethical conduct, meditation, and wisdom.
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2. Nagarjuna (2nd Century CE)
Philosophy: Madhyamaka (Middle Way)
Contributions: Nagarjuna founded the Madhyamaka school, emphasizing the concept of śūnyatā (emptiness) and the middle way between nihilism and eternalism. His “Mūlamadhyamakakārikā” (Fundamental Verses on the Middle Way) is a seminal text in Mahāyāna Buddhism.
3. Aryadeva (3rd Century CE)
Philosophy: Madhyamaka
Contributions: Aryadeva, a disciple of Nagarjuna, wrote the “Catuḥśataka” (Four Hundred Verses), addressing metaphysical and ethical issues and refining the arguments for emptiness.
4. Asanga (4th Century CE)
Philosophy: Yogācāra (Vijñānavāda)
Contributions: Asanga, along with Vasubandhu, founded the Yogācāra school, focusing on the role of consciousness in the creation of experience. His works include the “Mahāyānasūtrālamkāra” and the “Yogācārabhūmi-śāstra.”
5. Vasubandhu (4th-5th Century CE)
Philosophy: Yogācāra, Abhidharma
Contributions: Vasubandhu contributed to both Yogācāra and Abhidharma traditions. His “Abhidharmakośa” is a comprehensive treatise on Abhidharma, and his Yogācāra works include the “Trisvabhāvanirdeśa” and “Viṃśatikā.”
6. Dignāga (5th-6th Century CE)
Philosophy: Buddhist Logic and Epistemology
Contributions: Dignāga founded the school of Buddhist logic and epistemology. His works, such as “Pramāṇasamuccaya,” laid the groundwork for later developments in Buddhist logic, focusing on perception and inference as valid means of knowledge.
7. Dharmakīrti (7th Century CE)
Philosophy: Buddhist Epistemology and Logic
Contributions: Dharmakīrti systematized Buddhist logic and epistemology in works like “Pramāṇavārttika.” He analyzed perception, inference, and the nature of reality, influencing both Buddhist and non-Buddhist traditions.
8. Candrakīrti (7th Century CE)
Philosophy: Prāsaṅgika-Madhyamaka
Contributions: Candrakīrti is a key figure in the Prāsaṅgika sub-school of Madhyamaka. His commentaries, especially the “Prasannapadā,” provide detailed expositions of Madhyamaka philosophy, emphasizing a dialectical method of refuting inherent existence.
9. Śāntideva (8th Century CE)
Philosophy: Madhyamaka, Ethics
Contributions: Śāntideva’s “Bodhicaryāvatāra” (Guide to the Bodhisattva’s Way of Life) is a classic text on the path of the bodhisattva, blending Madhyamaka philosophy with practical ethical guidance and meditation techniques.
10. Kamalaśīla (8th Century CE)
Philosophy: Yogācāra-Madhyamaka Synthesis
Contributions: Kamalaśīla synthesized Yogācāra and Madhyamaka philosophies in his “Bhāvanākrama” texts, outlining a comprehensive path of meditation. His works influenced Tibetan Buddhism, especially regarding enlightenment and meditation.
11. Śāntarakṣita (8th Century CE)
Philosophy: Yogācāra-Madhyamaka Synthesis
Contributions: Śāntarakṣita played a pivotal role in bringing Buddhism to Tibet. His works, including the “Tattvasaṅgraha,” integrate Yogācāra and Madhyamaka philosophies and engage with non-Buddhist Indian philosophies.
12. Atisha (982-1054 CE)
Philosophy: Lamrim (Stages of the Path)
Contributions: Atisha’s “Bodhipathapradīpa” (Lamp for the Path to Enlightenment) systematized the Lamrim tradition, outlining a graduated path to enlightenment. His work significantly influenced the development of Tibetan Buddhism.
13. Tsongkhapa (1357-1419 CE)
Philosophy: Gelug, Prāsaṅgika-Madhyamaka
Contributions: Tsongkhapa founded the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism and emphasized the Prāsaṅgika interpretation of Madhyamaka. His works, such as the “Lamrim Chenmo” (Great Treatise on the Stages of the Path), are central to Gelugpa thought.
14. Dōgen (1200-1253 CE)
Philosophy: Sōtō Zen
Contributions: Dōgen founded the Sōtō school of Zen Buddhism in Japan. His writings, especially the “Shōbōgenzō” (Treasury of the True Dharma Eye), emphasize zazen (seated meditation) and the realization of enlightenment in everyday activities.
15. Hakuin Ekaku (1686-1769 CE)
Philosophy: Rinzai Zen
Contributions: Hakuin revitalized the Rinzai school of Zen Buddhism in Japan. His emphasis on kōan practice and vigorous training methods significantly influenced the Rinzai tradition, stressing direct realization and experiential wisdom.
Conclusion
The contributions of these philosophers have profoundly shaped Buddhist thought, practice, and its evolution across different cultures and historical periods. Each philosopher’s unique insights and teachings continue to inspire practitioners and scholars, ensuring the enduring relevance and adaptability of Buddhist philosophy.