The concept of change, as treated in Buddhism

Bhavana Trivedi’s essay explores Buddhist doctrines of change. Contrasting Vaibhāṣika and Sautrāntika positions, she explains that Vaibhāṣikas treat phenomena as momentary but composed of discrete temporal atoms, whereas Sautrāntikas emphasise that only present moments exist and reject latent essences. The article discusses how these views shape interpretations of impermanence, causal efficiency and the continuity of experience. Trivedi surveys canonical sources like the Abhidharmakośa and examines Madhyamaka arguments that all phenomena are empty and relational. She relates doctrinal debates to meditation practices, noting that mindfulness training depends on recognising the arising and passing of mental states. The essay also compares Buddhist notions of change with those of Hindu schools such as Sāṃkhya, highlighting Buddhism’s denial of a permanent observer. Trivedi concludes that impermanence is central to Buddhist soteriology because understanding change undermines attachment and leads to liberation.

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