Dharmakirti c. 600 AD – c. 660 AD
Dharmakirti (c. 600 AD – c. 660 AD) was an Indian philosopher of the Medieval era, associated with Buddhism and Indian Philosophy.
Dharmakirti was an Indian Buddhist philosopher who completed and transformed the logical and epistemological tradition founded by Dignaga. His seven treatises, including the Pramana-varttika, develop a sophisticated philosophy of knowledge centered on the thesis that what is real is what is causally efficient. He defended the Buddhist doctrines of momentariness and selflessness through detailed argument, articulated a powerful theory of inferential reasoning, and offered the most influential Buddhist arguments for the existence of rebirth. His thought has shaped Tibetan Buddhist scholasticism down to the present day.
Key facts
- Nationality
- Indian
- Era
- Medieval
- Movements
- Buddhism, Indian Philosophy
Selected quotes
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Attributed to Dharmakirti:
“What is real is what is causally efficient.”
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Attributed to Dharmakirti:
“All conditioned things are momentary.”
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Attributed to Dharmakirti:
“Inference depends on a relation of necessary connection.”
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Attributed to Dharmakirti:
“The valid means of cognition reveal what is, not what merely seems.”
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Attributed to Dharmakirti:
“Compassion, when sustained by understanding, becomes the path to liberation.”
Dharmakirti by topic
Frequently asked about Dharmakirti
- When did Dharmakirti live?
- Dharmakirti was born in c. 600 AD and died in c. 660 AD.
- Where was Dharmakirti from?
- Dharmakirti was an Indian philosopher of the Medieval era.
- What philosophical movements is Dharmakirti associated with?
- Dharmakirti was associated with Buddhism and Indian Philosophy.
- What was Dharmakirti known for?
- Dharmakirti was an Indian Buddhist philosopher who completed and transformed the logical and epistemological tradition founded by Dignaga.
- How many quotes are attributed to Dharmakirti?
- There are 5 attributed quotations from Dharmakirti in the 1001Philosophers collection, organized by topic.