Multi-Layered Reduction System in the Sarvāstivāda Abhidharma: An Examination of the Usage of Svabhāva

Abstract

This article argues that the Sarvāstivāda's " X takes Y as svabhāva " system constitutes a multi-layered reduction system where " X takes Y as svabhāva " can be understood as " X is reduced to Y ." Here, svabhāva functions as a means of reduction. The reduction system comprises three layers and its primary aim is to reduce non-dharma types to dharma types. Furthermore, the article discusses whether the multi-layered reduction system is ontological or epistemological. Moreover, based on the third layer of the reduction system, the article suggests that svabhāva has only played a limited role in defining dharma types.