Vaivarttika-sangha
By Nalinaksha Dutt
Summary
The text discusses a copper-plate grant from Tipper dating to 506 CE, which mentions the term *Vasvarttika* in the context of a Buddhist Sangha. Bhattacharya, in the IHQ (vol. 41, no. 1, 90), questions the validity of this term, arguing that *Vasvarttika* does not appear in Buddhist works and suggesting it may instead relate to the doctrine of Prvarsa, a concept more associated with Vedantic traditions. However, the author critiques Bhattacharya's claim as unsubstantiated, noting that similar terms like *avaivartika-cakra* and *avaivartika-nimno samddhih* appear in the *Mahakdyutpatti*, a key Buddhist glossary. Additionally, the *Saddkarmapundarika*, *Siksasamuccaya*, and *DababhRmikastiitra* reference *avaivartika-bedhisattva* and *avaivartika-bhiksusangha*, indicating the term's relevance in Buddhist contexts. The term *avaivartika* (non-receding) describes a state of firmness, particularly for Bodhisattvas or monks in the eighth bhumis, where they are beyond falling. The Tibetan synonyms *higyur-bamed-pa* (without change) and *phir-mildog-pa* (without fall) further clarify this meaning. The text concludes that the inscription should read *Avasvartika* rather than *Vasvarttika*, dismissing speculation about a *Vivarta* sect and proposing that the grant refers to an unchanging Mah
Conclusion
This analysis challenges Bhattacharya's unsubstantiated claim regarding the term *Vasvarttika* in the Tipper copper-plate grant, demonstrating that the correct interpretation as *Avasvartika* aligns with established Buddhist terminology. The term, synonymous with "non-receding" or "unchanging," reflects the Mahayana concept of unwavering spiritual states, particularly the eighth bhumis of Bodhisattva practice. By identifying parallels in key Buddhist texts and Tibetan synonyms, the study clarifies that *Avasvartika* refers to a monastic order or adept