Question

Given below are two statements : one is labelled as Assertion (A) and the other is labelled as Reason (R).
Assertion (A) : A person who possesses faith, seeks truth, and remains detached even toward preached doctrines follows the truth of Śūnya.
Reason (R) : Such a person attains calmness by abandoning the two extremes of Bhāva (existence) and Abhāva (non-existence).
In the light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below :

• A. Both (A) and (R) are correct and (R) is the correct explanation of (A)
• B. Both (A) and (R) are correct but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A)
• C. (A) is correct but (R) is not correct
• D. (A) is not correct but (R) is correct

Hint:

In Buddhist philosophy, realization of Śūnyatā is closely connected with inner peace (Śānti). Whenever a question discusses abandoning the extremes of existence and non-existence, it usually refers to the practical realization of Emptiness in Madhyamaka philosophy.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Concept: The realization of Śūnyatā (Emptiness) is not merely a theoretical doctrine but a profound spiritual discipline. A practitioner of Śūnyavāda must cultivate faith, inquiry into truth, and detachment from rigid conceptual views. Such realization ultimately leads to peace and liberation because it removes attachment to all extremes.

Step 1: Analyzing Assertion (A): The qualities of a seeker of Śūnya. Assertion (A) describes the characteristics of a practitioner who genuinely follows the doctrine of Emptiness.
• Faith (Śraddhā): The practitioner must possess faith in the Buddha, Dharma, and the possibility of liberation.
• Search for Truth (Dharma-vicaya): One must investigate the true nature of reality through wisdom and reflection.
• Detachment (Vairāgya): The seeker should remain unattached even to doctrinal formulations because Buddhist teachings are ultimately skillful means (Upāya) rather than absolute dogmas. These qualities are essential for understanding the truth of Śūnya. Therefore, Assertion (A) is correct.

Step 2: Analyzing Reason (R): Attainment of calmness through abandoning extremes. Reason (R) explains how such a practitioner attains mental peace. In Buddhist philosophy, suffering arises from attachment and conceptual fixation. Human beings cling either to the belief that things absolutely exist (Bhāva) or to the belief that nothing exists at all (Abhāva). The practitioner of Śūnyatā abandons both these extremes:
• Abandoning belief in absolute existence removes attachment and greed.
• Abandoning belief in total non-existence removes fear, despair, and nihilism. When the mind transcends both extremes, it becomes calm, balanced, and free from conceptual agitation. Hence, Reason (R) is correct.

Step 3: Establishing the relationship between Assertion and Reason. Reason (R) correctly explains Assertion (A). A person follows the truth of Śūnya because they understand that liberation is attained by transcending the dual extremes of existence and non-existence. The faith, search for truth, and detachment described in Assertion (A) naturally lead the practitioner toward the peaceful state explained in Reason (R). Therefore, Reason (R) is the proper explanation of Assertion (A).

Step 4: Final Conclusion. Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are correct. Moreover, the Reason correctly explains why a practitioner devoted to Śūnyatā attains calmness and liberation. Hence, option (1) is the correct answer.