The Philosophy of the Andhakas: Buddhist Sects and Their Doctrines

Abstract

Beginning with a discussion on the doctrines of the Andhakas in general, (which includes the Pubbaséliyās, the Aparaséliyas, the Rājagirikas and the Siddhatthikas), the chapter proceeds to explicate the views that the Andhakas held in common with the Sammitīyas, the Mahīsāsakas, the Uttarāpathakas, the Vetulyakas, the Sabbathivādins and the Bhadrayanikas. It further discusses the doctrines of the Pubbaseliyās—those held independently, as well as those they held in common with the Sammitīyas, the Mahīsāsaka and the Aparaséliyas. The discussion then goes on to elucidate the doctrines of the Rājagirikas independently, along with the Siddhatthikas and the Sammitīyas on the basis of the Kathāvatthu. Finally, the chapter also discusses the doctrines of the Bahuśrutīyas and the Caityakas, who had a very significant presence in the region and contributed to the doctrinal variations of Buddhism.