Tenets Sautrantika (The three times)

Question 1

Definition of pastness (sautrantika)

Answer 1

the state of disintegration of an object (2023), at the time of the second moment of the production of the object (2024).

One must know the distinction that the pastness of the object arises following the object, while the futureness of the object arises before the object. (From the perspective of the object)

But the past with respect to the object comes before (It is the matter of perspective)

The future with respect to the object arises after the object

Question 2

Definition of futureness (Sautrantika)

Answer 2

The state of non-production of an object, in some places and times, due to lack of conditions, despite the existence of the causes of the particular object.

F.ex.:
The state of non production of apple tree due to lack of condition, that is when the seed is still in my hand, that’s the state of non production of the apple tree, in a specific space and time.

One must know the distinction that the pastness of the object arises following the object, while the futureness of the object arises before the object.

But the past with respect to the object comes before (It is the matter of perspective)

The future with respect to the object arises after the object

Question 3

Definition of present (Sautrantika)

Answer 3

[a phenomena] which is produced and not ceased.
Present and functional thing are accepted as synonymous.

One must know the distinction that the pastness of the object arises following the object, while the futureness of the object arises before the object.

Question 4

Past and future are permanent or impermanent? (Sautrantika)

Answer 4

Past and future are permanent.

Question 5

The Differences in between the schools (Three times)

Answer 5

All Buddhist schools except Vaibhasika and Prasangika:
past, future and present are impermanent phenomena

For Sautrantika, Cittamatra, Savatantrika Madhyamaka:
past and future are permanent phenomena.

Question 6

How are past and future also called by all schools?

Answer 6

1. Disintegrated phenomena = Past
   ==> The Disintegratedness of 2023 came after 2023)
   ==> The past with respect to the object comes before the object (It is the matter of perspective)
2. State of non-production = Future
   ==> The future with respect to the object arises after the object