Sautrantika

Sautrantika is one of the early schools of Buddhist philosophy that emerged during the early centuries of the Common Era. It is considered a sub-school of the Sarvastivada tradition, which was one of the main Buddhist schools in ancient India. The name “Sautrantika” is derived from the Sanskrit word “sutras,” referring to the discourses of the Buddha, indicating their reliance on Buddhist scriptures for doctrinal explanations.

Key features and characteristics of Sautrantika include:

1. Interpretation of Buddhist Scriptures: Sautrantika Buddhists considered the Buddha’s discourses (sutras) to be the most authoritative source of Buddhist teachings. They focused on interpreting and analyzing the teachings found in the sutras, especially those related to Buddhist psychology and ethics.
2. Dependent Origination: Like other Buddhist schools, Sautrantika upheld the doctrine of dependent origination (pratityasamutpada), which explains the interconnectedness and dependent nature of all phenomena. This principle was central to their understanding of impermanence and the nature of suffering.
3. Concept of Elements: Sautrantika scholars developed the concept of “dharmas” or “elements.” They believed that the ultimate reality consists of discrete and momentary elements (dharmas) that arise and pass away. These elements are considered the basic constituents of existence.
4. Momentariness: Sautrantika accepted the doctrine of momentariness (kshanika-vada), which suggests that all phenomena, including mental states and physical objects, arise and cease in each moment. This view contrasts with the belief in substantial enduring entities.
5. Perception and Inference: Sautrantika philosophers classified valid sources of knowledge into two categories: direct perception (pratyaksha) and inference (anumana). They emphasized the importance of critical analysis and reasoning to understand the nature of reality.
6. Rejection of Abhidharma: Unlike some other schools, Sautrantika Buddhists did not fully accept the Abhidharma texts, which offered detailed philosophical and doctrinal analyses of Buddhist teachings. Instead, they preferred to rely directly on the Buddha’s discourses.
7. Decline and Disappearance: Sautrantika was a significant Buddhist school during its early development, but it eventually declined and disappeared as an independent school. Many of its ideas and doctrines, however, continued to influence later developments in Buddhist thought.

Sautrantika represents one of the diverse philosophical traditions that emerged within Buddhism as scholars engaged in interpreting and clarifying the Buddha’s teachings. Its perspectives on elements, momentariness, and the reliance on Buddhist sutras for doctrinal understanding contributed to the richness of Buddhist philosophical thought during its time.