Nāgārjuna’s Middle Way (Madhyamaka) philosophy, particularly his doctrine of śūnyatā (emptiness), emphasizes that all phenomena lack inherent existence and arise dependently through interrelations. This perspective aligns closely with relational ontology, which posits that entities are defined by their relationships rather than possessing intrinsic, independent essences. Similarly, process philosophy, which views reality as a series of interconnected processes rather than static substances, resonates with Nāgārjuna’s emphasis on dependent origination (pratītyasamutpāda). Therefore, Nāgārjuna’s Middle Way is compatible with both relational ontology and process philosophy, as all three frameworks reject fixed essences and focus on the interdependent, dynamic nature of existence.
