Nagarjuna, a Buddhist philosopher from the Madhyamaka school, had a significant impact on the development of Mahayana Buddhism. His teachings and philosophy played a crucial role in shaping the beliefs and practices of this branch of Buddhism.

One of the key contributions of Nagarjuna was his emphasis on the concept of emptiness or shunyata. He argued that all phenomena are empty of inherent existence and that everything is interdependent and interconnected. This concept challenged the traditional Buddhist belief in the existence of a permanent self or soul and instead emphasized the impermanence and interconnectedness of all things. This idea of emptiness became a central tenet of Mahayana Buddhism and influenced its development.

Nagarjuna's philosophy also had a significant impact on the understanding of the nature of reality. He proposed the concept of two truths – conventional truth and ultimate truth. Conventional truth refers to the everyday reality that we experience, while ultimate truth refers to the ultimate nature of reality – that it is empty of inherent existence. This concept helped to reconcile the seemingly contradictory teachings of the Buddha and laid the foundation for the development of the Madhyamaka school.

Furthermore, Nagarjuna's teachings on the Middle Way or the path between extremes were also influential in the development of Mahayana Buddhism. He emphasized the importance of avoiding extreme views and instead advocated for a balanced and moderate approach to understanding reality. This idea of the Middle Way became an essential aspect of Mahayana Buddhism, guiding practitioners towards a more balanced and harmonious way of living.

Nagarjuna's philosophy also had a significant impact on the development of Mahayana Buddhist practices. His teachings on emptiness and the Middle Way influenced the development of meditation practices such as the emptiness meditation and the Middle Way meditation. These practices aimed to cultivate a deeper understanding of emptiness and to help practitioners avoid extreme views.

In conclusion, Nagarjuna's philosophy had a profound impact on the development of Mahayana Buddhism. His emphasis on emptiness, two truths, and the Middle Way shaped the beliefs, practices, and understanding of reality within this branch of Buddhism. His teachings continue to be influential in contemporary Mahayana Buddhism, making him a highly revered figure in the tradition.