Doctrines of the Sarvastivada School of Buddhism
By Nalinaksha Dutt
Summary
Nalinaksha Dutt offers an in‑depth analysis of key doctrines held by the Sarvāstivāda school, one of the early Buddhist schools known for its distinctive assertion that dharmas exist in the past, present and future. He explains the Sarvāstivādin view of the Buddha as a human who acquires supernormal powers and emphasises their belief in Bodhisattvas as individuals who must destroy all impurities before attaining Buddhahood. Dutt examines the school’s stance on duḥkha, anātman and anitya and contrasts it with the Theravāda view. He analyses how Sarvāstivādins interpret karma by positing that karmic seeds remain latent until conditions ripen, justifying the existence of future fruits. The article explores classifications of consciousness and discusses the controversial doctrines of avijñāptika dharmas, pratyaya, sarvākāśa, antarābhava and supramundane states. Citing the Abhidharma Mahāvibhāṣā, Prakaranapāda and Vibhaṣā, Dutt compares Sarvāstivāda with Theravāda and Mahāsāṃghika exegesis and argues that the school’s realism influenced the later development of Yogācāra thought and Buddhist metaphysics.
Conclusion
By dissecting the doctrines of the Sarvāstivāda school, Dutt demonstrates how early Buddhist schools diverged in their understanding of impermanence and causal continuity. Sarvāstivāda’s assertion that dharmas exist across time arises from a need to explain karma, cognition and soteriology within a realistic framework. Although later schools would critique and refine these ideas, the Sarvāstivādin contribution remains pivotal for appreciating the diversity of early Buddhist philosophy.