Vibhajyavada (Pali: Vibhajjavada), is an umbrella
classification for Buddhist denominations that
promote analysis as a primary tool for developing insight.
The word vibhajyavada literally means "the teaching of
analysis".
During the Third Buddhist Council , all orthodox schools,
which at the time were sub-divisions of Sthaviravada, were
regrouped into this new school. These groups had split into
different sects during the reign of Emperor Asoka.
The Vibhajyavada school says that the first step to insight has
to be achieved by the aspirant's experience, critical
investigation, and reasoning instead of by blind faith.
This school was introduced to Sri Lanka by the Venerable
Mahinda, son of Emperor Asoka, who brought with
him the Pali Canon. Vibhayjavada is an ancestor of the
school known today as Theravada.
Etymology
The word Vibhajyavada has two components:
- Vibhajya, meaning analysis or discrimination
- Vada, meaning doctrine, teaching, or school