1001Philosophers

Vasumitra c. 100 – c. 170

Vasumitra (c. 100 – c. 170) was an Indian philosopher of the Ancient era, associated with Buddhism and Indian Philosophy.

Vasumitra was an Indian Buddhist abhidharma philosopher of the early second century AD, traditionally counted as one of the principal compilers of the Mahavibhasha, the great commentary of the Sarvastivada school on the abhidharma, prepared at the council of Kanishka in Kashmir. His own treatise on the Wheel of the Formation of Differing Doctrines, preserved in Chinese and Tibetan translation, set out the doctrinal differences of the eighteen early Buddhist schools and is the principal source for our knowledge of the early Buddhist doctrinal divisions. His careful taxonomy shaped the abhidharma tradition for centuries afterward.

Key facts

Nationality
Indian
Era
Ancient
Movements
Buddhism, Indian Philosophy

Selected quotes

  • Attributed to Vasumitra:

    “What the Buddha taught is one; what the schools taught is many.”

  • Attributed to Vasumitra:

    “Doctrinal differences arise from different starting points; trace each back, and the agreement appears.”

  • Attributed to Vasumitra:

    “The wheel of doctrines turns with the questions men ask, not only with the answers they receive.”

  • Attributed to Vasumitra:

    “Abhidharma is philosophy with all its excuses removed.”

  • Attributed to Vasumitra:

    “To classify is not yet to understand, but it is the precondition of understanding.”

Frequently asked about Vasumitra

When did Vasumitra live?
Vasumitra was born in c. 100 and died in c. 170.
Where was Vasumitra from?
Vasumitra was an Indian philosopher of the Ancient era.
What philosophical movements is Vasumitra associated with?
Vasumitra was associated with Buddhism and Indian Philosophy.
What was Vasumitra known for?
Vasumitra was an Indian Buddhist abhidharma philosopher of the early second century AD, traditionally counted as one of the principal compilers of the Mahavibhasha, the great commentary of the Sarvastivada school on the abhidharma, prepared at the council of Kanishka in Kashmir.
How many quotes are attributed to Vasumitra?
There are 5 attributed quotations from Vasumitra in the 1001Philosophers collection, organized by topic.