Question

Buddhist scholar Chandrakirti belongs to which of the following philosophical schools of Buddhism?

• A. Madhyamika School
• B. Yogachara School
• C. Sarvastivadin School
• D. Mahisasaka School

Hint:

Important Buddhist schools and scholars:
• Nagarjuna → Madhyamika School
• Chandrakirti → Madhyamika School
• Vasubandhu → Yogachara School Memorizing philosopher-school connections is very important for history and philosophy examinations.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Concept: Buddhism gradually developed into several philosophical schools that interpreted the teachings of Buddha in different ways. Among these schools, the Madhyamika school became one of the most influential branches of Mahayana Buddhism. It emphasized the doctrine of “Sunyata” or emptiness. Chandrakirti was one of the greatest philosophers and commentators of the Madhyamika school. His writings helped explain and defend the philosophy developed earlier by Nagarjuna.

Step 1: Understanding the Madhyamika school. The Madhyamika school was founded by Nagarjuna and became famous for the philosophy of: \[ \text{Sunyata (Emptiness)} \] According to this doctrine:
• all phenomena are empty of permanent independent existence,
• reality exists through dependent origination,
• and extreme views should be avoided. The school is called “Madhyamika” because it advocates the “Middle Path” between extremes.

Step 2: Role of Chandrakirti in Buddhist philosophy. Chandrakirti was an important Buddhist scholar and philosopher who defended and expanded the teachings of Nagarjuna. He became famous for his commentaries on Madhyamika philosophy. His works include:
• Madhyamakavatara,
• and commentaries on Nagarjuna’s philosophical writings. Thus, Chandrakirti is closely associated with the Madhyamika school.

Step 3: Analyzing the options carefully.
• Option (A) Madhyamika School: Chandrakirti was one of the greatest philosophers of the Madhyamika tradition. Therefore, this option is correct.
• Option (B) Yogachara School: Yogachara emphasized the doctrine of consciousness or “Vijnanavada”. Chandrakirti was not associated with this school.
• Option (C) Sarvastivadin School: Sarvastivada was an early Buddhist school that believed in the existence of dharmas across time. Chandrakirti did not belong to this school.
• Option (D) Mahisasaka School: Mahisasaka was one of the early Buddhist sects, but Chandrakirti is not connected with it.

Step 4: Philosophical significance of Chandrakirti. Chandrakirti’s writings became extremely influential in:
• Mahayana Buddhist philosophy,
• Tibetan Buddhist traditions,
• and later Buddhist logical debates. His interpretation of Nagarjuna’s philosophy became one of the foundational explanations of Madhyamika thought.

Step 5: Final conclusion. Since Chandrakirti belonged to and contributed significantly to the Madhyamika school of Buddhism, the correct answer is: \[ \boxed{\text{Madhyamika School}} \]