The Problem of a Drsti as Truth Claim in Sunyata Hermeneutics

The present study is concerned with the problem of truth claims as drsti in sunyata hermeneutics. Clinging to a certain view or truth system is itself symptomatic of samsaric existence. The ontological view that have attempted to establish objective truth about reality is not a correct view. Having a view is itself problematic. The Madhyamika rejects any attempt to build truth claims and opinions, which includes the Buddhist doctrine itself. All metaphysical views are regarded as baseless as they are self-contradictory, and therefore false on their respective criteria of truth. Drsti as a metaphysical theory is rooted in belief of the existence of self. Such metaphysical assertions are born from craving and the root of craving is ignorance. Ignorance gives rise to drsti. Sunyata as deconstructive hermeneutics becomes an antidote for such erroneous views. Sunyata is not a view, it is an antidote to all views. The teaching of sunyata has a dangerous aspect if one does not understand it properly. Sunyata is not a negative view or theory of unreality (nastitva), it is taught for the purpose of bringing all views to perfect rest (upasama). The Madhyamika deconstructs all views and theories and is a methodology which can penetrate insight of the non-aquisitive or inexplicable in speech and unreliable in thought.