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
The speakers of major Indian languages belong to how many language families?
Which one of the following was NOT a way in which kings in ancient India attempted to claim a higher status?
Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer using the code given below the Lists:
List-I
(unit in use in early India)
List-II (content) A. Muhurta 1. Measure of weight B. Raktika 2. Measure of time C. Angula 3. Metre of poetry D. Pada 4. Measure of length In the Mesopotamian records, which one of the following terms was used for the Indus Valley (Harappans)?
In Egypt, ancient mummies can be found to have their arteries intact due to well preserved:
