[MD] Buddhist dialectic

[X Acto]

"Buddhism has developed sophisticated, and sometimes highly institutionalized 
traditions of dialectics during its long history. Nalanda University, and later the 
Gelugpa Buddhism of Tibet, are examples. The historical development and clarification 
of Buddhist doctrine and polemics, through dialectics and formal debate, is well
 documented. Buddhist doctrine was rigorously critiqued (though not ultimately 
refuted) in the 2nd century by Nagarjuna, whose uncompromisingly logical approach 
to the realisation of truth, became the basis for the development of a vital stream of
 Buddhist thought. This dialectical approach of Buddhism, to the elucidation and 
articulation of an account of the Cosmos as the truth it really is, became known as 
the Perfection of Wisdom and was later developed by other notable thinkers, such as
 Dignaga and Dharmakirti (between 500 and 700). The dialectical method of truth-
seeking is evident throughout the traditions of Madhyamaka, Yogacara, and Tantric 
Buddhism. Trisong Detsen, and later Je Tsongkhapa, championed the value of dialectic 
and of formalised training in debate in Tibet."
 
 
..