Nagarjuna (龙树菩萨), originally named Nāgārjuna, also known as Longmeng, is a significant figure in Mahayana Buddhism, revered as the "Second Buddha" after Shakyamuni. Living around the 2nd century CE, Nagarjuna was born under the Ajatashatru tree in South India. Growing up in the Brahmin caste, he received rigorous training and was known for his intellect and expertise in Brahmin doctrines.
Beyond his theological studies, Nagarjuna developed numerous skills, including painting, sculpture, incense-making, and alchemy. During his youth, he and three close friends explored the art of invisibility, using it to infiltrate the royal palace. This escapade led to the King’s wrath, and in response, he and his ministers devised a plan to eliminate the invisible trespassers. The palace paths were sprinkled with fine sand so any footprints would reveal their location, allowing hidden guards to strike. Unfortunately, three of Nagarjuna’s friends were killed, but Nagarjuna managed to escape due to his cleverness.
Witnessing his friends' deaths left Nagarjuna deeply remorseful, prompting him to vow that if he survived this ordeal, he would renounce worldly ties and dedicate himself to rigorous spiritual practice. After escaping the palace, he sought refuge in a temple where he embraced monastic life and delved into Buddhist teachings. Within 90 days, he had read all the temple’s sacred texts but still felt unfulfilled. He then journeyed north, where he encountered a highly cultivated Bhikkhu monk who introduced him to the Mahayana teachings, which Nagarjuna found insightful, though he felt they lacked logical coherence. This realization spurred him to establish his monastic community.
It was during this time that the Bodhisattva Mahasattva invited Nagarjuna to the Dragon Palace, where he discovered previously unseen sutras. There, he spent 90 days studying these profound texts, which broadened his perspective and deepened his understanding. Taking the Bodhisattva’s advice, he returned to South India and began spreading the Buddha’s teachings widely.
With support from the King of Kosala, who provided significant funds, Nagarjuna constructed a five-story monastery on Black Peak Mountain. Later, Chinese monks like Faxian and Xuanzang observed the monastery’s remains during their travels to India. Among his teachings, Nagarjuna shared life-extending techniques with the king, leading to resentment from the king’s heir, who feared never ascending the throne. During his final years, Nagarjuna realized that unresolved karma bound him and the prince. Consequently, he allowed the prince to take his life by cutting his neck with a particular blade of grass.
Nagarjuna’s legacy remains unmatched among post-Shakyamuni Buddhist teachers in India. His extensive writings, including Mūlamadhyamakakārikā (《中论》), Mahāprajñāpāramitā-śāstra (《大智度论》), Dvādaśanikāya-śāstra (《十二门论》), and Dasabhūmikabhāsya (《十住毗婆沙论》), laid the foundation for Mahayana teachings. His innovative philosophy has had a lasting impact on Buddhism, especially within the Chinese Three Treatises School and Tiantai School. As a key figure in Buddhist history, Nagarjuna is celebrated for his enduring contributions.
