An Ocean of Reasoning: A Great Commentary on the Nagarjuna's Mulamadhyamakakarika

by Tsongkhapa, Ngawang Samten (Translator), Jay L. Garfield (Translator)

Tsong kha pa (14th-century) is arguably the most important and influential philosopher in Tibetan history. An Ocean of Reasoning is the most extensive and perhaps the deepest extant commentary on Nagarjuna's Mulamadhyamakakarika (Fundamental Wisdom of the Middle Way), and it can be argued that it is impossible to discuss Nagarjuna's work in an informed way without consulting it. It discusses alternative readings of the text and prior commentaries and provides a detailed exegesis, constituting a systematic presentation of Madhyamaka Buddhist philosophy.

Despite its central importance, however, of Tsong kha pa's three most important texts, only An Ocean of Reasoning remains untranslated, perhaps because it is both philosophically and linguistically challenging, demanding a rare combination of abilities on the part of a translator. Jay Garfield and Ngawang Samten bring the requisite skills to this difficult task, combining between them expertise in Western and Indian philosophy, and fluency in Tibetan, Sanskrit, and English. The resulting translation of this important text will not only be a landmark contribution to the scholarship of Indian and Tibetan Buddhism, but will serve as a valuable companion volume to Jay Garfield's highly successful translation of [ Fundamental Wisdom of the Middle Way|1048288].

Genres: Buddhism, Philosophy, Religion, Spirituality

632 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2006

About the author

Je Tsognkhapa (Tib.: tsong kha pa, ཙོང་ཁ་པ། "The Man from Onion Valley") was a monk of the Sakya tradition of Tibetan Buddhism whose activities led to the formation of the Geluk school, though he never announced the establishment of a new monastic order himself. He is also known by his ordained name Lobsang Drakpa (blo bzang grags pa) or simply as Je Rinpoche (rje rin po che).

Reviews

[Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a 15th century commentary on a 2nd century text translated in the 21 century into English. The root text is likely one of the most complicated or esoteric philosophical ideas of the last two millenium. It's like taking your brain apart and putting it back together piece by piece. Be careful when you dip into this casual text.

[bad · Rating 4 out of 5]

analysis of phenomenon from the tibetan geluk madhyamaka school of buddhism. the analysis consists of various very well-defined reasonings pertaining to self-emptiness, existence and conceptuality, leading first to an inferential knowledge, built through meditation and contemplation into direct cognition of the true nature of reality - suchness. the reasonings are very old, but this text was composed by je tsongkhapa for instruction of gelukpa monks and the establishment of dharma around 13xx ad. and by analysis, i mean quite rigorous analysis.

[Harshdeep Sharma · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Nagarjuna speaks/writes, Logic goes to the pinnacle and ultimately destroys itself and what you will end up with is Sunyata. Nagarjuna gives you a view into fundamental nature of reality where you can see the limitation of logic. It takes only two lines to annihilate the highest ideas and ideals with even better ideas. And those better ideas can be refuted too which gives us a glimpse that there is something beyond logic which is more fundamental to life and untouched till the realization of it.

Some books are read; others are lived. Ocean of Reasoning, Tsongkhapa’s magisterial commentary on Nagarjuna’s Mulamadhyamakakarika, belongs to the latter category. It is not merely a book but an intellectual and spiritual Everest—towering, awe-inspiring, and life-altering. This commentary, written by one of the greatest minds in Buddhist history, is a luminous torch that lights up the profound and intricate path of Nagarjuna’s Middle Way philosophy, where even shadows carry wisdom.

The title itself, Ocean of Reasoning, is no exaggeration. Tsongkhapa dives into the fathomless depths of Nagarjuna’s verses, engaging with them not as abstract metaphysics but as a razor-sharp exploration of reality. He methodically unpacks Nagarjuna’s profound arguments, ensuring no nuance is overlooked, no concept left unexplored. To read Tsongkhapa is to stand at the edge of the ultimate abyss of understanding, where every assumption about the self, the world, and existence dissolves into emptiness (Sunyata).

At the heart of the text is Nagarjuna’s declaration: “All things arise dependent on causes and conditions; therefore, they are empty of inherent existence.” Tsongkhapa not only explains this radical insight but meticulously defends it, dismantling objections with the precision of a master logician. The commentary reveals the profound interplay between dependent origination (pratityasamutpada) and emptiness, a concept that Tsongkhapa famously describes as “the very heart of the Buddha’s teaching.”

What sets Ocean of Reasoning apart is Tsongkhapa’s unparalleled clarity. His analysis is as rigorous as it is poetic, weaving the threads of philosophy, logic, and meditative practice into a seamless tapestry of wisdom. In one luminous passage, he writes: “To understand emptiness is to see that nothing exists independently. This insight does not negate the world but reveals its interdependent nature, allowing one to live with wisdom and compassion.” Here, Tsongkhapa not only interprets Nagarjuna but brings his teachings alive, showing their transformative power for both thought and action.

Tsongkhapa’s brilliance lies in his ability to engage with counterarguments. He addresses critics with an almost surgical precision, unraveling mistaken views with logic so potent it leaves no room for doubt. For example, when addressing the critique that emptiness leads to nihilism, he counters: “The understanding of emptiness is not the destruction of existence but the destruction of delusion. Emptiness is the ultimate affirmation of reality as it truly is—dynamic, interconnected, and free from illusions of permanence.” In such moments, Tsongkhapa reveals himself not just as a commentator but as a philosopher in his own right.

What makes Ocean of Reasoning a timeless masterpiece is its ability to engage readers on multiple levels. For the scholar, it offers a treasure trove of rigorous analysis. For the practitioner, it is an indispensable guide to meditation and self-inquiry. And for the seeker, it is a beacon of hope, pointing toward the liberation that comes from understanding reality’s true nature.

The commentary’s poetic depth is rivaled only by its practical relevance. Tsongkhapa masterfully shows how Nagarjuna’s insights into emptiness are not esoteric riddles but a roadmap to transcend suffering. He writes: “When one realizes the interdependent nature of existence, compassion arises naturally. To harm another is to harm oneself, for in emptiness, all distinctions dissolve.” This profound ethical insight is as urgent today as it was centuries ago, offering a vision of interconnectedness that can heal both individuals and societies.

But make no mistake: Ocean of Reasoning is not an easy read. It demands patience, intellect, and humility. Like climbing a sacred mountain, the journey is arduous, but the rewards are immeasurable. Tsongkhapa’s commentary will stretch your mind, challenge your assumptions, and, if you let it, transform your life.

To describe this book as a commentary feels almost reductive. It is an intellectual odyssey, a spiritual symphony, and a philosophical masterpiece. It stands as a testament to the human capacity for reason, reflection, and transcendence. If Nagarjuna’s Mulamadhyamakakarika is the fire of wisdom, then Tsongkhapa’s Ocean of Reasoning is the light that ensures the fire illuminates every corner of the mind and heart.

For those willing to confront the ultimate questions of existence, Ocean of Reasoning is an indispensable guide. It is not just the best commentary on Nagarjuna; it is one of the greatest works in the history of human thought. Prepare to have your world turned inside out—and to be grateful for it.

[Farhan M]

Trying out something obscure - a 14th century Tibetan commentary of a seminal 1st century Buddhist Philosophy text