The study of the different philosophical standpoints of classical Indian Buddhist Schools is an important part of the curriculum in the monasteries of Tibetan Buddhism. This is based on the understanding that when you engage deeply with diverse viewpoints on a given topic, this will help crystallize your own understanding of the issues. Furthermore, as all four schools of Tibetan Buddhism claim to embrace the profound teachings of emptiness as interpreted by the Indian master Nagrajuna (2^nd century CE), it becomes crucial that one's understanding of emptiness does not fall into the extremes of absolutism and nihilism. In other words, it is important for the practitioner to embrace a philosophical standpoint that accords with the perfect Middle Way.