Saṅghabhadra’s Criticism on the Sthavira Theory of Viparyāsa

Abstract

This paper considers how Saṅghabhadra criticizes the Sthavira theory of Viparyāsa in the *Nyāyānusāra. Among Sarvāstivāda texts from the *Mahāvibhāṣā to the *Nyāyānusāra, only dṛṣṭiviparyāsa is accepted. The school accepts neither saṃjñāviparyāsa nor cittaviparyāsa. But the Sthavira states that both saṃjñāviparyāsa and cittaviparyāsa arise from ayoniśomanasikāra. Futhermore, the Sthavira explains that both viparyāsas arise in one who has entered the stream which leads to nirvāna (srota-āpanna). Therefore Saṅghabhadra as a Sarvāstivādin criticizes the Sthavira position for improper interpretation of the sūtras’ words. This paper shows the different interpretations found in Saṅghabhadra and Sthavira, and points out the problems that we must be aware of while discussing the viewpoint of Saṅghabhadra.