The Concept of Change – As Treated in Buddhism: Section‑I Hinayana Buddhism

Summary

Dr. Bhavana Trivedi explores how early Buddhist schools conceptualised change through the doctrine of dependent origination (pratītya‑samutpāda). She explains that this principle holds that all phenomena arise in dependence on causes and conditions and therefore lack permanent essence. The article outlines the Vaibhāṣika theory that events are momentary dharmas in a causal sequence, and contrasts it with the Sautrāntika idea of latent seeds carrying karmic potential. By realising the conditioned nature of experience, practitioners understand the impermanence of the self and the world, which helps them overcome attachment and suffering. Dr. Trivedi compares these views with non‑Buddhist perspectives and shows that Buddhism regards change as lawful rather than random. She argues that understanding dependent origination is central to the path of liberation and that the insight into impermanence underpins ethical conduct and meditation. The article sets the stage for later sections on Mahayana interpretations by demonstrating how Hinayana thinkers framed the doctrine of change and its soteriological significance.