Abhidharmikas all agree dharmas exist and are building blocks of the universe.
However, when reducing objects to components, problem exists of svabhava or intrinsic nature/real & persistent entity (pudgala)
- Theravada rejects pudgala
- Sarvastivada defines tri-temporal existence to handle appearance of pudgala
3 Periods of time = past, present, future
- Theravada does not accept independent arising or absolute time.
- Those who did, seceded from Theravada to start Sarvastivada
If an object generates consciousness about it, than it exists. Example: if you see a ghost, something existed to generate that awareness.
Basically, there is no cognition without an object.
5 Kinds of Existence:
Name only = unicorn
Real entity = svabhava
Conventionally = flowers, house, etc
Assemblage = pudgala of five skandhas
Relatively = something "long" as compared to something "short"
2 Sources of Support for Sarvastivadin doctrine:
- Scriptures
-- Buddha uses phrases referring to past, present, future
- Logical reasoning
-- Examination of kamma = past kamma comes to fruition in the present. Present kamma affects the future.
-- Memories = past existed in some form. "Conditioned by two, there arises consciousness." (2 is sense organ and object)
Disagreements eventually lead to 4 schools:
- Theravada
- Pudgalavada
- Sarvastivada
- Kasypaiyas (do not feel dharmas exist in all times.)
Vibhajyavada = only present is real. Past/future can be cognized.