Quotes:Sthavirah

H. P. Blavatsky

Sthâvirâh. One of the earliest philosophical contemplative schools, founded 300 B.c. In the year 247 before the Christian era, it split into three divisions: the Mahâvihâra Vâsinâh (School of the great monasteries), Jêtavaniyâh, and Abhayagiri Vâsinâh. It is one of the four branches of the Vaibhâchika School founded by Kâtyâyana, one of the great disciples of Lord Gautama Buddha, the author of the Abhidharma Jnana Prasthâna Shastra, who is expected to reappear as a Buddha. (See “Abhayagiri ”, etc.) All these schools are highly mystical. Lit., Stâviranikaya is translated the “ School of the Chairman” or “President” (Chohan).

Source: H. P. Blavatsky, The Theosophical Glossary, art. Sthavirah