The Vaibhashika and Sautantrika schools of Buddhism represent two distinct epistemological approaches within the broader framework of Buddhist philosophy, particularly within the Mahayana tradition. While both schools share foundational principles of impermanence, no-self, and the Four Noble Truths, they diverge in their interpretations of reality and the nature of knowledge acquisition.
The Vaibhashika school, often considered more conservative in its approach, holds a realist stance regarding external objects. They assert that external objects exist independently of perception and that perception accurately reflects external reality. Vaibhashika philosophers emphasize direct perception pratyaksha as the primary means of acquiring knowledge. They argue that through the senses, individuals can directly apprehend external objects and thereby gain genuine knowledge about the world. Additionally, they posit that inferential reasoning anumana and testimony sabda also play crucial roles in knowledge acquisition.
In contrast the Sautantrika school adopts a more moderate position, leaning towards a nominalist perspective. Sautantrikas assert that external objects have only nominal existence, meaning they exist only as designations or labels imposed by conceptual constructs. They argue that perception does not directly access external objects but rather constructs mental representations based on sensory input. Consequently, Sautantrika epistemology places greater emphasis on inference as the primary means of knowledge acquisition. They argue that through logical reasoning, individuals can infer the existence and nature of external objects based on their effects or qualities.
Furthermore the Sautantrika school introduces the concept of the three criteria trairūpya for valid cognition, which includes agreement of multiple cognitions, non-deceptiveness, and functional efficacy, as standards for evaluating the validity of knowledge.
In summary while both Vaibhashika and Sautantrika schools share foundational Buddhist principles, they differ significantly in their epistemological approaches. Vaibhashikas maintain a realist perspective, emphasizing direct perception as the primary means of knowledge acquisition, while Sautantrikas adopt a more moderate stance, asserting the nominal existence of external objects and placing greater emphasis on inference and logical reasoning.
