Empty Words: Buddhist Philosophy and Cross-Cultural Interpretation

Rating:
Summary: penetrating insight
Review: Garfield's Empty Words is an insightful and helful commentary to the Mulamadhyamakakarika, which he has also has a translation of in print. I was particularly impressed with his skillful application of Nagarjuna's theory of causation concerning the cultivation of the bodhicitta and the requisite belief in the rebirth as established in the Geluk School. His rejection of such a notion is explicated in clear terms that shows how their tradition runs contrary to the philosophy of Madhymaka.