Sarvastivada had widest geographic distribution, settling in Kashmir.
- Popular in Asia
= Vaibhasika, those who followed Mahavibhasa Sastra
Pali Abhidharma = words of Buddha
Sarvastivada Abhidharma = commentaries/compilations
7 Canonical Treatises, completed around 2nd century CE
- Samgitiparyaya (Discourses on Gathering Together)
-- Commentary on Samgiti Sastra
-- Uses matrkas (matrices) (early beginning of Abhidharma format)
-- Identifies 7 noble persons
- Dharmaskandha (Aggregation of Dharmas)
-- Focus on bases, aggregates, and elements
-- Also defilements and removal
- Prajnapti (Treatise on Designations)
-- Most quoted in Mahavibhasa Sastra
-- Includes cosmology, supernatural powers, and karma as topics
- Dhatukaya (Body of Elements)
-- First part = enumeration of mental elements
-- Second part = analysis of mental elements
- Vijnanakaya (Body of Consciousness)
-- Also quoted extensively in Mahavibhasa Sastra
-- Discussions around six skandhakas/types of sensory consciousness
-- Defends tri-temporal time through arising of consciousness
- Prakaranapada (Exposition)
-- Five classes of dharmas
-- Popular in China
- Jnanaprasthana (Foundation of Knowledge)
-- Systemization of stages of the path of spiritual cultivation based on the Four Noble Truths
-- Chapter on concentration
Jnanaprasthana = main body, with 6 feet
- led to Mahavibhasa Sastra (Great Commentary)
Mahavibhasa Sastra = Great Commentary
- authored by 500 arhats
- compiled by Katyayaniputra
- possibly revised/compiled for over 100 years
- follows chapter structure of Jnanaprasthana Sastra
- contains vast amount of doctrinal material, including other schools, and non-buddhist views