Appearance and Momentariness: the Nature of Being between Nāgārjuna, the Sarvāstivādins and Neo-Parmenidism

Authors

Federico DIVINO

Abstract

In this article I will try to demonstrate the existence of points in common between the eternalist instances of Parmenidean philosophy and the Buddhist formulations made by some parts of the Abhidhamma, Nāgārjuna, and the Sarvāstivādins. These three philosophies have numerous points in common with Emanuele Severino’s formulations from the point of view of what is defined as neo-Parmenidism. The purpose of this article is to demonstrate that the points in common between these systems of thought are due to a basic affinity which, despite having led them to emphasize different themes, present similar reasoning and logical consequences, which allow us to detect very strong points in common especially on issues related to the conception of reality as unique and indivisible in the form of an absolute totality, the eternity of Being, the interdependent nature of entities, and even the illusory perception of worldly reality. Since this text is only an introduction to the problem, I will examine the main issues, also analyzing the main problems to conclude with what I have found to be the actual points in common on which an interdisciplinary dialogue can be built between the problems raised by Severino through Parmenides and Nāgārjuna who from this point of view is more similar to the Sarvasarvādins than has been thought up to now.

Recommended Citation

DIVINO, Federico (2022) "Appearance and Momentariness: the Nature of Being between Nāgārjuna, the Sarvāstivādins and Neo-Parmenidism," Comparative Philosophy: Vol. 13: Iss. 1, Article 4.
Available at: https://scholarworks.sjsu.edu/comparativephilosophy/vol13/iss1/4