The question asks for an alternative name for the Buddhist school known as the Sarvastivādins.
Identifying the Sarvastivādin School
The Sarvastivāda (literally, "the doctrine that all exists") was one of the major early schools of Buddhism. It emerged from the Vibhajyavāda ("doctrine of analysis") branch of the Sthavira ("elders") sect.
Sarvastivādins and the Vaibhāṣika Tradition
The Sarvastivāda school developed a comprehensive Abhidharma system. A pivotal commentary within this tradition is the Mahāvibhāṣa Śāstra, compiled by scholars in Gandhara and Kashmir.
Followers and proponents of this specific Abhidharma tradition, particularly those associated with the Mahāvibhāṣa, came to be known as the Vaibhāṣikas.
Therefore, the Sarvastivādins are often identified with the Vaibhāṣika school, representing the main Abhidharma tradition within Sarvastivada.
The other options represent different Buddhist schools:
- Sautrāntika: Another major early school, distinct from Sarvastivada, emphasizing the Sutras.
- Vijñānavāda (or Yogācāra): A Mahayana school focusing on consciousness.
- Mādhyamika: A Mahayana school founded by Nagarjuna, focusing on emptiness (śūnyatā).
Thus, the Sarvastivādins are also known as Vaibhāṣika.
Important Questions from Ancient History
Which of the following archaeological sites is located on the bank of river Mahanadi and has temples/monuments of Buddhism, Hinduism and Jainism?
Polygynous family is represented by
The following are the archealogical sources of Indian history :
(a) Stone inscriptions
(b) Copper plates
(c) Leaf inscriptions
(d) Pillar inscriptions
Select the correct answer -
Regarding the Indus Valley Civilization, consider the following statements:
1) It was predominantly a secular civilization and the religious element, though present, did not dominate the scene.
2) During this period, cotton was used for manufacturing textiles in India.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Who founded the Rashtrakuta empire?
