For anyone interested in an epoch of almost unrivaled intellectual activity and debate in India, the sixth-century Madhyamakahrdayakarika along with its auto-commentary, the Tarkajvala, is an indispensable resource. This partly doxographical treatise, composed by the Madhyamaka philosopher Bhaviveka, is the earliest and most substantial work to present and critically examine Sravaka, Yogacara, Samkhya, Vaisesika, Vedanta, and Mimamsa in great detail. Bhaviveka’s text is of unique value in its attempt to identify a Madhyamaka approach to other schools of philosophy as well as in furnishing us with valuable information regarding early Indic systematic philosophy, including what appear to be extracts from original sources that are otherwise unavailable. Most probably it served as a Madhyamaka debate manual for those engaged in discussion with representatives of opposing philosophical schools. Bhaviveka’s treatment of Samkhya and Vedanta is of particular importance because of the scarcity of sources pertaining to the early formation and development of these systems of philosophy. The present book includes a critical edition and English translation of the Samkhya and Vedanta chapters of the Madhyamakahrdayakarika and Tarkajvala along with a historical introduction.
