Author(s): V.Ramesh Babu, TVK Bala Hanuman
Abstract:
The concept of Śūnya (often translated as "void," "emptiness," or "zero") represents one of the most profound and often misunderstood pillars of Indian philosophical thought. This paper argues that Śūnya is not a monolithic nihilistic principle but embodies a crucial duality: it simultaneously signifies the relative, contingent nature of empirical phenomena (saṃvṛtisatya) and the ineffable, absolute reality (paramārthasatya) that transcends conventional existence. Through a comparative analysis drawing primarily from Mahāyāna Buddhism, particularly Nāgārjuna’s Madhyamaka school, and Advaita Vedānta, this article elucidates this dual aspect. It explores how the relative aspect deconstructs inherent existence, revealing a world of dependent origination (pratītyasamutpāda), while the absolute aspect points to a transcendent plenitude, akin to Brahman. The paper further investigates the philosophical implications of this duality, examining the intricate interplay between existence and non-existence. Finally, it establishes the contemporary relevance of Śūnya, demonstrating its resonance with modern scientific paradigms like quantum mechanics, its application in mindfulness and psychological well-being, and its ethical imperatives for fostering compassion and non-attachment in a complex world. The study concludes that Śūnya serves as a vital bridge between philosophical traditions and disciplines, offering a transformative lens for understanding the fundamental nature of reality.
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