The Collections of Names, Words, and Syllables in the Pañcaskandhakavibhāṣā of Sthiramati: Introduction, Annotated Translation

Abstract

This paper examines the concept of the collections of names, phrases, and syllables (“nāmakāya”, “padakāya”, “vyañjanakāya”) found within the exposition on formations dissociated from thought (cittaviprayuktasaṃskāras) in the Pañcaskandhakavibhāṣā of Sthiramati. The Pañcaskandhakavibhāṣā of Sthiramati is a commentary (“vibhāṣā”) on the Pañcaskandhaka by Vasubandhu. In a way, it could be called a compendium of Abhidharmic terms and concepts. The text explores the concepts of the collections of names, phrases, and syllables. Its treatment of the subject differs from that of Sarvāstivāda. For instance, the lengthy discussions we find in the Abhidharmakośabhāṣya or the Abhidharmakośavyākhyā are practically absent. The way the subject is presented has more in common with the contemporaneous works of Yogācāra Abhidharma than those of ancient canonic works of Sarvāstivāda Abhidharma, or later works, like the Abhidharmakośabhāṣya. The article will explore the definitions and characteristics of nāmakāya, padakāya, vyañjanakāya, and will include an annotated translation of the examined passage of the text.