One of the defining concepts of Mahayana Buddhism is the Sanskrit term śunyatā, often translated as "emptiness." While the term can be found in the early sermons of the historical Buddha, was the second century Indian philosopher – Nagarjuna – who placed the it at the core of his teachings, and engaged it systematically throughout his writings. Nagarjuna’s philosophy of emptiness has since provided a fertile ground for a vast body of hermeneutical literature, that grew throughout the centuries and is vitally studied in the writings of the various schools of East Asian Buddhism.

In this class, we shall look into the different meanings and interpretations given to the term “emptiness” in the writings of Buddhist monks and scholars throughout East Asian history. Doing so, we shall follow the research conducted by such historians and philosophers as Nakamura Hajime 中村元, Tachikawa Musashi 立川武蔵, Kajiyama Yuichi 梶山雄一, and Fumihiko Sueki 末木文美士. The latter part of the class will be devoted to the important interpretations of emptiness, as expressed in the writings of the Japanese "Kyoto School" philosophers.