Sarvastivada
Topic: Buddhism, Jainism and Heterodox Traditions · NCERT: Beyond NCERT
Meaning
Sarvastivada was an early Buddhist school. Its name means "the doctrine that all exists". It taught that the basic elements that make up everything (dharmas) really exist in the past, the present and the future. The school was strong in north-west India, especially Kashmir and Gandhara, and also in Mathura. It wrote its texts in Sanskrit, not Pali, and it shaped later Buddhist philosophy.
Example
The Fourth Buddhist Council was held in Kashmir under the Kushana king Kanishka (c. 1st–2nd century CE). Sarvastivada monks led it. The council is linked with a great Sanskrit commentary, the Mahāvibhāṣā.
Don't confuse with
- Theravada: Theravada was the "doctrine of the elders". It kept its canon in Pali and became strong in Sri Lanka and South-East Asia.
Related concepts
- Tipitaka
- Vinaya Pitaka
- Sutta Pitaka
- Abhidhamma Pitaka
- Abhidhamma Divas
- Pali
- Pali classical language
- Buddhist councils
- First Buddhist council
- Second Buddhist council