Our understanding of Gautama Buddha and various facets of Buddhism is largely derived from early Buddhist literature, which can be categorized into canonical and non-canonical texts.
About Early Buddhist Literature
- Early Buddhist literature forms the foundation of Buddhist teachings, offering valuable insights into the life and doctrines of Gautama Buddha.
- This literature is primarily categorized into canonical and non-canonical texts, with the former directly linked to the Buddha’s teachings.
- The core scriptures, including the Tipitaka (Tripitaka), consist of important texts such as the Sutta Pitaka, Vinaya Pitaka, and Abhidhamma Pitaka.
- These writings, preserved in languages like Pali, Sanskrit, and Tibetan, not only elaborate on Buddha’s teachings but also provide historical and philosophical context.
1. Canonical Texts
- Definition: Texts directly linked to Gautama Buddha in one way or another.
- Purpose: Lay down the basic tenets and principles of Buddhism.
- Key Texts:
- Tipitakas (Three Pitakas): Also known as the Pali Canon.
Note: Differences exist among various Buddhist schools regarding which texts are considered canonical.
2. Non-Canonical Texts
- Definition: Texts not directly attributed to the Buddha’s sayings but include:
- Commentaries and observations on canonical texts.
- Treatises on the Dharma/Dhammapada.
- Historical information, quotes, definitions, and grammars.
- Written in Pali, Tibetan, Chinese, and other East Asian languages.
Note: Non-canonical texts are also known as semi-canonical texts.
Treatises refer to formal and systematic written works that deal with a particular subject in depth.
Important Non-Canonical Texts
- Milindapanho (Pali):
- A dialogue on philosophical issues between Indo-Greek king Milinda/Menander and the monk Nagasena.
- Nettipakarana (The Book of Guidance):
- Provides a connected account of the Buddha’s teachings.
- Visuddhimagga (The Path to Purity):
- Written by Buddhaghosa.
- Explores the development from the purity of discipline to Nibbana / enlightenment.
- Nidanakatha:
- The first connected life story of the Buddha.
- Dipavamsa and Mahavamsa (Pali):
- Contain historical and mythical accounts of:
- The Buddha’s life.
- Buddhist councils.
- Emperor Ashoka.
- The arrival of Buddhism in Sri Lanka.
- Contain historical and mythical accounts of:
- Mahavastu:
- Written in mixed Sanskrit–Prakrit.
- A hagiography (sacred biography) of the Buddha.
The Tipitaka/Tripitaka
The Tipitaka (in Pali) and Tripitaka (in Sanskrit) mean “The Three Baskets/Collections” and are among the earliest compilations of Buddhist teachings.
Key Features:
- Origin:
- Initially written on long, narrow leaves.
- Named “Three Baskets” because Buddhist monks categorized the Buddha’s teachings into three sections.
- Significance:
- Forms the core scripture for all branches of Buddhism.
The Three Baskets of the Tipitaka/Tripitaka
- Sutta Pitaka (Conventional Teachings):
- Contains discourses and sermons of the Buddha.
- Vinaya Pitaka (Disciplinary Code):
- Details the rules and regulations for monastic life.
- Abhidhamma Pitaka (Moral Psychology):
- Explores Buddhist philosophy and psychology in depth.
The Tripitaka is a vital source for understanding the Buddha’s teachings and the foundations of Buddhism.
1. Sutta Pitaka (Sutra/Basket of Discourses)
- Contents:
- The Buddha’s discourses on various doctrinal issues in dialogue form.
- Key Features:
- Known as ‘Buddhavacana’ or ‘the word of the Buddha’, referring to texts believed to contain the Buddha’s own words.
- Accepted as authoritative by nearly all Buddhist schools, with few exceptions.
- Arranged based on the manner of delivery of the teachings.
2. Vinaya Pitaka (Discipline Basket)
- Contents:
- Rules for monks and nuns in the monastic order (Sangha).
- Key Features:
- Includes the Patimokkha, which is a list of:
- Transgressions against monastic discipline.
- Atonements for these transgressions.
- Also contains:
- Doctrinal expositions.
- Ritual texts.
- Biographical stories.
- Elements of the Jatakas or birth stories.
- Includes the Patimokkha, which is a list of:
Patimokkha refers to a list of monastic rules and regulations in Buddhism, primarily found in the Vinaya Pitaka. It consists of guidelines that dictate the ethical and disciplinary conduct of monks and nuns within the monastic community (Sangha).
The Patimokkha details various transgressions, their atonements, and the conditions for maintaining proper conduct.
It serves as a fundamental text for maintaining discipline and order within the Buddhist monastic life.
3. Abhidhamma Pitaka (Basket of Higher Teachings)
- Contents:
- A systematic study and organization of the teachings from the Sutta Pitaka.
- Key Features:
- Presented in forms such as summaries, questions and answers, and lists.
- Focuses on philosophical and psychological aspects of the Buddha’s teachings.
This division highlights the doctrinal, disciplinary, and philosophical dimensions of Buddhism, forming the foundation of Buddhist practices and teachings.
Samples MCQs
Q1: What is the primary source of our understanding of Gautama Buddha and Buddhism?
a) Modern Buddhist literature
b) Early Buddhist literature
c) Archaeological findings
d) Buddhist art
Answer: b) Early Buddhist literature
Q2: Which of the following is a characteristic of canonical texts in Buddhism?
a) They are based on later interpretations of Buddhist teachings
b) They are not linked to Gautama Buddha
c) They are directly linked to Gautama Buddha
d) They focus on historical events
Answer: c) They are directly linked to Gautama Buddha
Q3: What is the primary content of non-canonical texts in Buddhism?
a) The direct sayings of the Buddha
b) Commentaries, observations, and historical information
c) Only philosophical treatises
d) Rituals and prayers
Answer: b) Commentaries, observations, and historical information
Q4: What is the Pali canon also known as?
a) Mahayana Sutras
b) Tipitaka (Three Pitakas)
c) Zen Sutras
d) Tibetan Tripitaka
Answer: b) Tipitaka (Three Pitakas)
Q5: Which non-canonical text consists of a dialogue between Indo-Greek King Milinda and the monk Nagasena?
a) Nidanakatha
b) Mahavamsa
c) Milindapanho
d) Visuddhimagga
Answer: c) Milindapanho
Q6: What does the Visuddhimagga focus on?
a) The Buddha’s birth story
b) The development from purity of discipline to nirvana/enlightenment
c) Historical accounts of Buddhist councils
d) The Buddha’s philosophical discourses
Answer: b) The development from purity of discipline to nirvana/enlightenment
Q7: Which text is known as the first connected life story of the Buddha?
a) Mahavastu
b) Nidanakatha
c) Nettipakarana
d) Dipavamsa
Answer: b) Nidanakatha
Q8: The Mahavamsa and Dipavamsa provide an account of which of the following?
a) The Buddha’s early teachings
b) The Buddha’s life and Buddhist councils
c) The doctrines of the Mahayana school
d) The historical development of Zen Buddhism
Answer: b) The Buddha’s life and Buddhist councils
Q8: What language is the Mahavastu written in?
a) Pali
b) Sanskrit–Prakrit
c) Tibetan
d) Chinese
Answer: b) Sanskrit–Prakrit
Q10. Which of the following non-canonical texts is also known as “The Book of Guidance”?
a) Visuddhimagga
b) Nettipakarana
c) Milindapanho
d) Dhammapada
Answer: b) Nettipakarana
Q11: What does the term “Tripitaka” mean?
a) The Three Rivers
b) The Three Teachings
c) The Three Baskets
d) The Three Pillars
Answer: c) The Three Baskets
Q12: Which of the following is NOT one of the three baskets of the Tripitaka?
a) Sutta Pitaka
b) Vinaya Pitaka
c) Abhidhamma Pitaka
d) Jataka Pitaka
Answer: d) Jataka Pitaka
Q13: The Tripitaka was originally written on what material?
a) Bamboo sheets
b) Palm leaves
c) Animal skins
d) Paper scrolls
Answer: b) Palm leaves
Q14: Which text is known as ‘the word of the Buddha’?
a) Abhidhamma Pitaka
b) Sutta Pitaka
c) Vinaya Pitaka
d) Mahavastu
Answer: b) Sutta Pitaka
Q15: Which of the following Nikayas is part of the Sutta Pitaka?
a) Khuddaka Nikaya
b) Vinaya Nikaya
c) Abhidhamma Nikaya
d) Mahavastu Nikaya
Answer: a) Khuddaka Nikaya
Q16: The Vinaya Pitaka primarily deals with which aspect of Buddhist life?
a) Doctrine of rebirth
b) Rules for monks and nuns
c) Morality and ethics
d) Meditation practices
Answer: b) Rules for monks and nuns
Q17: Which of the following is a collection found in the Khuddaka Nikaya?
a) Dhammapada
b) Milindapanho
c) Visuddhimagga
d) Mahavamsa
Answer: a) Dhammapada
Q18: The Abhidhamma Pitaka is primarily concerned with which of the following?
a) Ritual practices
b) Doctrinal expositions
c) Moral psychology
d) Biographies of monks
Answer: c) Moral psychology
Q19: What is the Patimokka, found in the Vinaya Pitaka?
a) A list of ethical teachings
b) A list of Buddhist chants
c) A list of transgressions and atonements
d) A list of meditation techniques
Answer: c) A list of transgressions and atonements
Q20: Which text contains the birth stories (Jatakas) of the Buddha?
a) Sutta Pitaka
b) Abhidhamma Pitaka
c) Vinaya Pitaka
d) Khuddaka Nikaya
Answer: d) Khuddaka Nikaya
Q21: The term ‘Buddhavacana’ refers to: a) The biography of the Buddha
b) The teachings that the Buddha is said to have spoken
c) The ritual texts for Buddhist monks
d) A compilation of the Buddha’s sermons
Answer: b) The teachings that the Buddha is said to have spoken
Q22: Which of the following Nikayas contains discourses arranged by number?
a) Digha Nikaya
b) Anguttara Nikaya
c) Majjhima Nikaya
d) Samyutta Nikaya
Answer: b) Anguttara Nikaya
Q23: Which of the following is the primary focus of the Sutta Pitaka?
a) Ethical conduct
b) Moral psychology
c) Doctrinal teachings in dialogue form
d) Meditation techniques
Answer: c) Doctrinal teachings in dialogue form
Q24: Which text provides a comprehensive history of the Buddha’s life and teachings in Sri Lanka?
a) Dipavamsa
b) Dhammapada
c) Mahavamsa
d) Visuddhimagga
Answer: c) Mahavamsa
Q25: Which of the following is found in the Abhidhamma Pitaka?
a) Jatakas
b) Patisambhida
c) Theragatha
d) Nettipakarana
Answer: b) Patisambhida
