Svātantrika

Buddhism

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July 14, 2026

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The Svātantrika school is a branch of Mādhyamika Buddhist philosophy, founded by the Indian philosopher Bhāvaviveka in the 8th century. Unlike other Mādhyamika followers who used logic indirectly, Bhāvaviveka employed direct reasoning, establishing an "independent" approach.1

This school developed the concept of two truths: conventional truth, where reason can support positive teachings, and ultimate truth. The Svātantrika tradition significantly influenced the development of Buddhist philosophy in Tibet. The core Mādhyamika philosophy, which Svātantrika is part of, was founded by Nāgārjuna and emphasizes the doctrine of emptiness (śūnyavāda), suggesting that all phenomena are ultimately void.12

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Buddhism
Madhyamika (Sanlun/Sanron)
The Svatantrika school, which utilized a syllogistic mode of argumentation, was founded by Bhavaviveka, a contemporary of Buddhapalita and author of a commentary on the Madhyamika Karika. Santiraksita, a great scholar who wrote the Tattvasamgraha (“Summary of Essentials”) and the
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The Svatantrika school, which utilized a syllogistic mode of argumentation, was founded by Bhavaviveka, a contemporary of Buddhapalita and author of a commentary on the Madhyamika Karika. Santiraksita, a great scholar who wrote the Tattvasamgraha (“Summary of Essentials”) and the
Read More