The figures · Philosophers

Nagarjuna

Nagarjuna is one of the most important philosophers in Mahayana Buddhism.

BORN c. 150 CE · South India, debatedDIED c. 250 CE · IndiaERA Classical Buddhism

NOTABLE CONTRIBUTION

Founded or systematized Madhyamaka philosophy, arguing for emptiness and dependent arising.

THE RECORD

His arguments challenged fixed essence and defended the middle way beyond extremes.
Madhyamaka became central in Tibetan, East Asian, and wider Mahayana traditions.
His work remains a major reference point in comparative philosophy.