The Prasangika Madhyamaka view of Self
The Prasangika Madhyamika, a school of Mahayana Buddhism, particularly emphasizes the philosophy of emptiness (shunyata) as articulated by philosophers like Chandrakirti. Here's how the Prasangika Madhyamaka view addresses the concept of a permanent soul or self:
Rejection of Inherent Existence:
Prasangika Madhyamika rigorously critiques the notion of "svabhava" or inherent existence. They argue that nothing, including the self or soul, exists independently with its own inherent nature. This leads to the conclusion that a permanent, unchanging soul cannot exist because everything is interdependent and empty of inherent existence.
Two Truths Framework:
They employ the doctrine of the two truths:
Conventional Truth: On this level, we speak of individuals, selves, or beings for practical purposes. However, this self is not considered permanent or independent but is understood as a mere conceptual designation based on the aggregation of the five skandhas (form, sensation, perception, mental formations, and consciousness).
Ultimate Truth: Here, analysis reveals that no such permanent soul can be found because all phenomena, including the self, are empty of independent existence.
Refutation of Atman (Soul):
The school directly refutes the Hindu concept of atman (soul) as an eternal, unchanging essence. According to Prasangika, what we perceive as the self is merely a continuum of mental and physical processes, constantly changing and lacking any fixed identity.
Dependent Origination:
Everything arises in dependence upon other factors; thus, the self or soul is no exception. It arises from causes and conditions and hence does not possess permanence or independence.
Implications for Liberation:
Understanding this emptiness of the self leads to liberation from suffering because one no longer clings to the notion of a permanent self, which is seen as the root of attachment and egoistic delusions.
In summary, from the Prasangika Madhyamika perspective, the idea of a permanent soul is rejected as an erroneous superimposition onto the transient and interdependent nature of reality. This view helps practitioners cultivate a deeper insight into the true nature of existence, leading towards enlightenment by dissolving the misconception of a solid, eternal self.
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