सर्वास्तिवाद (Sarvāstivāda) - Philosophical Concept | Alexandria
Sarvastivada, a significant early school of Buddhism, presents a compelling philosophical puzzle: the assertion that "all exists." This seemingly simple declaration belies a complex doctrine that grappled with the nature of time, existence, and reality itself. Often misunderstood as naive realism, Sarvastivada encompassed nuanced perspectives and intricate arguments that continue to intrigue scholars, inviting a re-evaluation of its place within Buddhist thought.
Emerging in India around the 3rd century BCE, Sarvastivada's roots are intertwined with the early schisms within the Sangha following the Buddha's death. References to its core tenets can be traced back to debates documented within the Kathavatthu, a canonical text crucial in understanding the development of early Buddhist schools. This period of formative differentiation occurred amidst the flourishing Mauryan empire, a time of political consolidation and expanding cultural exchange that arguably influenced the school's growth and diverse interpretations.
The Sarvastivada school flourished for centuries, leaving behind a substantial body of literature, including the Abhidharma texts which meticulously catalog and analyze all phenomena. Influential figures like Vasubandhu, though later associated with Yogacara, initially contributed significantly to Sarvastivada thought. Their emphasis on the existence of past, present, and future Dharmas, albeit in different states, allowed for a unique understanding of karma and rebirth. Some accounts suggest the school’s wealth, derived from trade routes along the Silk Road, fueled its philosophical endeavors but also contributed to rivalries with other emergent Buddhist schools. What truths do these rivalries illuminate beneath the surface of doctrinal differences?
The decline of Sarvastivada in India did not equate to its disappearance. Its influence spread eastward along the Silk Road, profoundly impacting Buddhist traditions in Central Asia and East Asia. Elements of its Abhidharma teachings persist in Tibetan Buddhism and contributed to the development of Chan (Zen) Buddhism, a testament to its enduring legacy. Today, the debates surrounding Sarvastivada's seemingly paradoxical doctrine continue to inspire lively discussions, prompting us to question: what does it truly mean for "all" to exist across the vast expanse of time?