Buddhism has a rich literary tradition with scriptures written in Pali and Sanskrit. These texts provide insights into Buddhist philosophy, ethics, history, and monastic rules.
1. Classification of Buddhist Texts
Buddhist literature is mainly divided into:
- Pali Canon (Tripitaka) – Theravada Buddhism
- Sanskrit Texts – Mahayana Buddhism
- Tibetan and Chinese Texts – Vajrayana Buddhism
| Category | Description | Language |
|---|---|---|
| Tripitaka (Three Baskets) | Oldest Buddhist scriptures | Pali |
| Jatakas | Stories of Buddha’s previous births | Pali |
| Mahavastu | Early Buddhist history and legends | Sanskrit |
| Lalitavistara | Biography of Buddha | Sanskrit |
| Avadanas | Moral stories | Sanskrit |
| Sutta Pitaka | Discourses of Buddha | Pali |
| Vinaya Pitaka | Monastic rules | Pali |
| Abhidhamma Pitaka | Buddhist philosophy | Pali |
2. Tripitaka (Three Baskets) – The Core of Buddhist Literature
Tripitaka (meaning “Three Baskets”) is the oldest and most sacred Buddhist text in the Pali language. It consists of:
(i) Vinaya Pitaka (Rules for Monks & Nuns)
- Contains disciplinary rules for the Sangha (monastic community).
- Details about the life and duties of Buddhist monks and nuns.
(ii) Sutta Pitaka (Teachings of Buddha)
- Collection of Buddha’s discourses (sermons).
- Most important section for Buddhist philosophy.
- Includes famous texts like:
- Digha Nikaya (Long Discourses)
- Majjhima Nikaya (Middle-Length Discourses)
- Samyutta Nikaya (Connected Discourses)
- Anguttara Nikaya (Numerical Discourses)
- Khuddaka Nikaya (Minor Discourses, includes Jataka tales)
(iii) Abhidhamma Pitaka (Philosophy & Psychology)
- Analysis of Buddhist doctrines and metaphysics.
- Discusses mind, matter, time, and consciousness.
3. Jataka Tales (Stories of Buddha’s Previous Births)
- Contains 547 stories about Buddha’s previous lives.
- Teaches moral values and karmic consequences.
- Popular Jataka stories:
- Vessantara Jataka – Story of Buddha’s extreme generosity.
- Mahajanaka Jataka – Story of perseverance and wisdom.
- Shibi Jataka – Story of sacrifice for the welfare of others.
4. Milinda Panha (Dialogue with King Milinda)
- Conversation between Indo-Greek King Menander (Milinda) and Buddhist monk Nagasena.
- Explains Buddhist doctrines in simple Q&A format.
5. Mahayana Buddhist Texts (Sanskrit Literature)
- Developed after the Pali Canon, followed in China, Tibet, and Japan.
- Key Mahayana texts:
| Text | Description |
|---|---|
| Lotus Sutra | Teaches compassion and Bodhisattva ideals |
| Lankavatara Sutra | Talks about mind consciousness |
| Prajnaparamita Sutras | Philosophy of emptiness (Shunyata) |
| Avatamsaka Sutra | Discusses interconnectedness of all beings |
| Vimalakirti Sutra | Explains Buddhist wisdom through a layman’s story |
6. Vajrayana Buddhist Texts (Tibetan Canon)
- Developed in Tibet and Mongolia, focusing on tantric rituals.
- Two main collections:
- Kangyur (Buddha’s teachings)
- Tengyur (Commentaries by Buddhist scholars)
7. Buddhist Texts & Ashoka’s Contribution
- Emperor Ashoka (Maurya Dynasty, 3rd Century BCE) spread Buddhism by inscribing Buddha’s teachings on rock edicts and pillars.
- He sent Buddhist texts and monks to Sri Lanka, China, and Central Asia.
8. Objective Questions for Competitive Exams
- Which is the oldest Buddhist scripture?
(a) Jataka Tales
(b) Tripitaka
(c) Mahavastu
(d) Avadanas
Answer: (b) Tripitaka - Which part of the Tripitaka contains Buddha’s teachings?
(a) Vinaya Pitaka
(b) Sutta Pitaka
(c) Abhidhamma Pitaka
(d) Jataka
Answer: (b) Sutta Pitaka - What is the language of the Tripitaka?
(a) Sanskrit
(b) Pali
(c) Prakrit
(d) Tibetan
Answer: (b) Pali - Which Buddhist text contains stories of Buddha’s previous births?
(a) Digha Nikaya
(b) Jataka Tales
(c) Vinaya Pitaka
(d) Mahavastu
Answer: (b) Jataka Tales - Who was the Greek King mentioned in the Buddhist text Milinda Panha?
(a) Antiochus
(b) Alexander
(c) Menander
(d) Kanishka
Answer: (c) Menander - Which Mahayana text teaches about Bodhisattva ideals?
(a) Lotus Sutra
(b) Vinaya Pitaka
(c) Milinda Panha
(d) Abhidhamma Pitaka
Answer: (a) Lotus Sutra - Which Buddhist text discusses the concept of emptiness (Shunyata)?
(a) Lankavatara Sutra
(b) Vimalakirti Sutra
(c) Prajnaparamita Sutra
(d) Jataka Tales
Answer: (c) Prajnaparamita Sutra - Which part of the Tripitaka deals with monastic discipline?
(a) Vinaya Pitaka
(b) Sutta Pitaka
(c) Abhidhamma Pitaka
(d) Dhammapada
Answer: (a) Vinaya Pitaka - Which Buddhist text is written in a Q&A format between a Greek king and a Buddhist monk?
(a) Milinda Panha
(b) Sutta Pitaka
(c) Jataka Tales
(d) Vinaya Pitaka
Answer: (a) Milinda Panha - Which Buddhist text is considered the biography of Buddha?
(a) Lalitavistara
(b) Jataka
(c) Milinda Panha
(d) Vinaya Pitaka
Answer: (a) Lalitavistara
Conclusion
Buddhist texts offer valuable insights into the teachings, philosophy, and life of Buddha. They played a crucial role in spreading Buddhism across India and beyond.
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