Ven. Yuttadhammo wrote:

> Normally I wouldn't get involved with this kind of discussion, as I am
> still new to paa.li translation, but it seems that this issue is
> important and may help to understand where the Mahayana concept of the
> antarabhava came from. So, I hope this helps.

Why the assumption that it is a only a Mahayana concept ? I think that
several of the 18 Schools also held this opinion. It is also discussed at
length in the Mahaavibhaa.sa and the Abhidharmako`sa.

Best wishes,
Stephen Hodge