I've read my fair share of books on Buddhism and Buddhist philosophy, mostly from the Indo-Tibetan tradition and this is by far one of the best. Professor Westerhoff not only makes a clear translation but has added his own philosophical commentary. It is not just a simple word commentary either. It is evident that he has put a lot of his own thought into this text. The conclusions professor Westerhoff comes to and his interpretations often struck me as impressive and left me thinking he is a cut above the rest in terms of philosophical analysis and thinking. There is a sharp mind at work here.



This is not just a book for those interested in Buddhist philosophy either. The insights of Nagarjuna are something anyone interested in philosophy should be familiar with. The closest comparison I can make is with Wittgenstein's thinking as found in the Philosophical Investigations and On Certainty. Not necessarily in terms of the conclusions reached as much as a similarity in method. Pointing out everyday examples to jolt our habitual ways of thinking. Just when you think you know how Nagarjuna is going to reply to a new dispute he surprises the reader with another ingenious argument.



If you enjoy books like Wittgenstein's PI where you feel you are being led through a maze of thinking by a highly original mind check this book out.