The Foundational Standpoint of Madhyamika Philosophy
by Gadjin Nagao
Tuesday
Night
Reading-Discussion
Group
8:30 – 9:30 pm • Atlanta Soto Zen Center
Moderated by Gakusan Terry Sutton
Introduction to study material from the Foreword:
For centuries, Western philosophers, in their dominant metaphysical mode, have begun their philosophizing in Aristotelian wonder. Yet in the very development of their metaphysical attempts to penetrate to the source of that wonder, the task of fabricating their questions often replaces that originating wonder and functions in a presumed total self- reference. Well-honed philosophic systems enclose their participants within the interlocking meanings of their basic definitions. Wonder becomes displaced with work and questioning with clarifying. Wonder abates as metaphysics grows. In Heideggerian terms, one must overcome metaphysics to uncover the primal wonder before the ensemble of beings.'
Madhyamika philosophy is an attempt to think in terms of the otherness of ultimate meaning, to develop philosophical discourse in constant awareness of the primary wonder of ultimate meaning, and in recognition of the failure of language to encapsulate that meaning. Madhyamika is the central focus of Mahayana Buddhist thought, lying barely concealed behind iconoclastic Zen aphorisms and permeating doctrinal thinking in Tibet, China, Korea, and Japan.
Four presentations will be offered in October. We plan to consider closely John Keenan's Forward, Gadjin Nagao's Preface and Chapters 1, 2, 5.
Suggested donation to ASZC: $15 per class.
Reading Group Format
The reading group is informal and readings serve as a point of departure for discussions. Sometimes we follow the text closely, other times discussion is wide-ranging. It is best to read the assigned chapter before attending but not required, but please feel free to drop in for the discussion even if you haven't read the text. Each participant is given the opportunity to raise phrases or topics from the assigned portion of the text which they wish to discuss. Tea and snacks are served.