School of Theology > Department of Buddhist Studies > Various Schools of Buddhism[edit | edit source]
Sthaviravāda[edit | edit source]
Sthaviravāda literally means the "Teaching Of The Elders", was one of the two main movements in early Buddhism.
"The Elders" referred to Buddha 500 immediate disciples who had attained Arahantship (Enlightenment), they held the First Council, and unanimously decided not to modify any of Buddha Vinaya and Dhamma.
The Sthaviravāda faith survives today in the Theravāda tradition.
Sthaviravāda Schools[edit | edit source]
- Pudgalavāda ('Personalist') (c. 280 BCE)
- Vibhajyavāda (prior to 240 BCE; during Asoka)
- Sarvāstivāda (c. 237 BCE)