Chapter 4.16 - Reality according to Madhyamika and Advaita (Summary)

This chapter attempted to present the idea of reality according to the Madhyamika and Advaita philosophies. Hence, in the first part of the chapter the Madhyamika concept of sunyata is focused. While elaborating the concept, its absoluteness is emphasized and Prajnaparamita is presented as the best expression of sunyata. The chapter proceeded with the analysis of sunyata as the life style and as the means to get rid of sufferings. It also looked into the nature of the Bodhisattva who is the personification of the ideal, sunyata. The second part of the chapter analyzed the concept of reality according to the Advaita School. In that elaboration the descriptions has been anchored in the important concepts like, nature of the Absolute Self (Brahman), the individual self (Atman) and the world (jagat). The reciprocity between the concept and praxis also is elaborated. The Advaitic understanding of reality as consciousness also given due share. Asparshayoga is seen as the means of the realization of the reality and finally the nature of such realization is expressed through the description of the Jivanmukta the personification of the Absolute Reality, Brahman. This chapter expresses the striking similarities between the schools of Madhyamika and Advaita. And this necessarily leads to a comparative analysis of these disciplines which will be carried out in the next chapter.