|
|
|
| Free E-magazine |
| Subscribe to our Free E-Magazine on Religion. |
| Learn More |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Home > Sacred Scriptures > Buddhist Scriptures
| |
| | Buddhist Scriptures
| |
| |
Buddhism in due course established Universities at Nalanda Vikramashila and
Taxila. Many monks and chiefs studied in them. A large number of Buddhist literature has cropped up as a result of these Universities. Many of these Buddhist writings are found in Tibetan texts, Chinese translations, and even in distant North West countries.
Shortly after the death of Lord Buddha a Council was set up about 477 BC at Rajagriha. A second Council was held at Vaishali about 377 BC to canonize the Buddhist sacred books. In the third Council about 241 BC held at Pataliputra the books were canonized. The early canonized books are known as Tripitakas i.e., three baskets. They form the canonized books of Hinayana or Theravadi schools.
The Vinayapitaka contains the teaching of the Buddha regarding the rules of conduct of monks.
Satfapitaka contains the doctrine of Buddha and a number of his dialogues. It is divided into nikayas or collection.
Dirghanikaya (Long Discourses)
Majjhimanikaya (Medium sized discourses)
Samyutta-nikaya (Mixed Discourses)
Anguttara-nikaya (Graduated Discourses)
Khuddaka-nikaya (Miscellaneous Discourses).
Abhidbarmc-nikaya which contains philosophical matter and creed. For the Mahayanist Vaipulya Sutras and Prajnaparmita Sutras are most important. Visuddha-Magga of Buddhaghosa and Milindapanha are also important works.
| |
| |
|
