Multilayered 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 multilayered 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 multilayered 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.