Buddhism/Philosophy of Early History Buddhist Schools

Philosophy of Early History Buddhist Schools
This module examines comprehensively the Sthaviravada and Mahasanghika schools of Buddhism which came into existence after the second council. Their philosophical teachings are explored with special attention to the following:
 * The relationship between the philosophical trends in the Buddhist thought appearing in the Suttapitaka and the Buddhist thought of the early schools of Buddhism;
 * Different views of Dharmavada and their various revisions; analysis of mind and sense perception; analysis of matter and atomism;
 * The concept of time and the theory of momentariness;
 * Analysis and synthesis of Dharma;
 * Divisions of truths as conventional and absolute and their mutual relationship;
 * Nirvana and its sectarian interpretations.

Recommended Reading:

 * Central Conception of Buddhism - K. Stcherbatsky, Calcutta, 1956
 * Early History of the Spread of Buddhism and Buddhist School - N. Dutt, New Delhi, 1980
 * Guide Through the Abhidhamma Pitaka – Nanatiloka, Colombo, 1957
 * Indian Buddhism - A. K. Warder, Delhi, 1980
 * Points of Controversy (Kathavatthu) - Trs. S. Z. Aung and Mrs. Rhys Davids. London, 1958
 * 2500 Years of Buddhism - Ed. P. V. Bapat, Delhi, 1956
 * System of Buddhist Thought - Yamakami Sogen, Calcutta, 1912