Nagarjuna quotes

Nagarjuna was an influential Indian philosopher and founder of the Madhyamaka school of Mahayana Buddhism. His teachings on the concept of "emptiness" profoundly shaped Buddhist philosophy and practice in Asia. He is regarded as one of the most important Buddhist thinkers after the Buddha himself. Here are 17 of his quotes:

Things derive their being and nature by mutual dependence and are nothing in themselves.

Nagarjuna

The science, which teaches arts and handicrafts Is merely science for the gaining of a living; But the science which teaches deliverance from worldly existence, Is not that the true science?

Nagarjuna

Even three times a day to offer Three hundred cooking pots of food Does not match a portion of the merit In one instant of love.

Nagarjuna

To those possessed of breeding, learning, handsome looks, Who have no wisdom, neither discipline, you need not bow. But those who do have these two qualities, Though lacking other virtues, you should revere.

Nagarjuna

If you desire ease, forsake learning. If you desire learning, forsake ease. How can the man at his ease acquire knowledge, And how can the earnest student enjoy ease?

Nagarjuna

Even if you seek to harm an enemy, You should remove your own defects and cultivate good qualities. Through that you will help yourself, And the enemy will be displeased.

Nagarjuna

Due to having faith one relies on the practices, Due to having wisdom one truly knows. Of these two wisdom is the chief, Faith is its prerequisite.

Nagarjuna

If you think you see both Destruction and becoming, Then you see destruction and becoming Through impaired vision.

Nagarjuna

I, without grasping will pass beyond sorrow, And I will attain nirvāṇa, one says. Whoever grasps like this Has great grasping.

Nagarjuna

Without hope of reward Provide help to others. Bear suffering alone, And share your pleasures with beggars.

Nagarjuna

If you desire ease, forsake learning.

Nagarjuna

I am not, I will not be. I have not, I will not have.

Nagarjuna

So, to praise others for their virtues - Can but encourage one's own efforts.

Nagarjuna

No suffering is self-caused. Nothing causes itself. If another is not self-made, How could suffering be caused by another? If suffering were caused by each, Suffering could be caused by both. Not caused by self or by other, How could suffering be uncaused?

Nagarjuna

"I am not, I will not be. I have not, I will not have." That frightens all the childish And extinguishes fear in the wise.

Nagarjuna