Madhyamaka vs. Yogācāra: A Previously Unknown Dispute in Vimalamitra’s Commentary on the Heart Sūtra

Vimalamitra’s (ca. the 8th–9th cent.) *Āryaprajñāpāramitāhṛdayaṭīkā (hereafter PHT) sparks interest not only because of its detailed verbal commentary on Prajñāpāramitāhṛdaya or Heart Sūtra but also it developed various philosophical arguments. However, these arguments have always been clear due to difficulty surrounding Tibetan translation and complexity discussion. For instance, in 2021, Mathes, who examined some passages PHT, suggested that Vimalamitra endorsed Yogācāra idea perfect nature exists ultimately as dharmakāya—an can be traced back 1996, Lopez. a close reading relevant PHT through consultation with Saptaśatikā Prajñāpāramitā by himself, sub-commentary rNgog blo ldan shes rab (1059–1109), (the preserved) conjecturing underlying original Sanskrit reveals opposite is true: there fierce complex debate between Madhyamaka passage, sharply criticizing latter’s views Mādhyamika. Thus, this paper will reveal for first time previously unknown details dispute PHT. This offer new evidence confrontation two around eighth ninth centuries.