Tipitaka
Introduction
The Tipitaka (also known as the Pali Canon) is the primary scriptural authority for Theravada Buddhists. It is written in Pali, an ancient Indian language, and is considered the most accurate record of the teachings of Buddha. The Tipitaka, which translates to "Three Baskets", is divided into three sections: the Vinaya Pitaka, the Sutta Pitaka, and the Abhidhamma Pitaka.
Vinaya Pitaka
The Vinaya Pitaka is the first section of the Tipitaka and contains rules for monastic discipline. It serves as a guide for Buddhist monks and nuns, outlining the rules and regulations they must follow. The Vinaya Pitaka is divided into three sections: the Suttavibhanga, the Khandhaka, and the Parivara.
Suttavibhanga
The Suttavibhanga is the first part of the Vinaya Pitaka and contains the Patimokkha, a list of 227 rules for monks (bhikkhus) and 311 rules for nuns (bhikkhunis). These rules are explained in detail, with stories providing the context in which each rule was established.
Khandhaka
The Khandhaka is the second part of the Vinaya Pitaka and is divided into two sections: the Mahavagga and the Cullavagga. The Mahavagga details the Buddha's enlightenment, the first Buddhist monks, and the formation of the monastic order. The Cullavagga contains rules regarding legal procedures and conflicts within the monastic community.
Parivara
The Parivara is the third part of the Vinaya Pitaka and serves as a manual or guidebook for monks and nuns. It is a later addition to the canon and is often attributed to Buddhaghosa, a revered Buddhist scholar.
Sutta Pitaka
The Sutta Pitaka is the second section of the Tipitaka and contains the discourses of the Buddha. It is divided into five collections, or Nikayas: the Digha Nikaya, the Majjhima Nikaya, the Samyutta Nikaya, the Anguttara Nikaya, and the Khuddaka Nikaya.
Digha Nikaya
The Digha Nikaya or "Long Discourses" contains 34 suttas, including the Maha-parinibbana Sutta, which describes the Buddha's last days and his passing into Nirvana.
Majjhima Nikaya
The Majjhima Nikaya or "Middle-Length Discourses" contains 152 suttas. These discourses cover a wide range of topics and are considered essential for understanding Buddhist doctrine.
Samyutta Nikaya
The Samyutta Nikaya or "Connected Discourses" contains over 2,000 shorter suttas grouped by theme. This collection includes the Fire Sermon, in which the Buddha discusses the nature of sensory experience.
Anguttara Nikaya
The Anguttara Nikaya or "Numerical Discourses" contains over 2,000 suttas, arranged according to a numerical system. Each sutta is associated with a number, which corresponds to the number of dhamma items discussed within it.
Khuddaka Nikaya
The Khuddaka Nikaya or "Minor Collection" is a diverse collection of texts, including the Dhammapada, a popular text known for its profound and concise teachings.
Abhidhamma Pitaka
The Abhidhamma Pitaka is the third and final section of the Tipitaka. It contains detailed philosophical and psychological analysis of the Buddha's teachings. The Abhidhamma Pitaka is divided into seven books, including the Dhammasangani, the Vibhanga, and the Patthana.
Dhammasangani
The Dhammasangani is the first book of the Abhidhamma Pitaka and provides a detailed classification of mental and physical phenomena.
Vibhanga
The Vibhanga is the second book of the Abhidhamma Pitaka and provides further analysis of the Dhammasangani's classifications.
Patthana
The Patthana is the seventh and final book of the Abhidhamma Pitaka. It is a complex and detailed work that discusses the doctrine of conditional relations.
Conclusion
The Tipitaka is a comprehensive and detailed record of the Buddha's teachings. It serves as the primary scriptural authority for Theravada Buddhists and is revered for its depth and clarity. The Tipitaka's three sections, the Vinaya Pitaka, the Sutta Pitaka, and the Abhidhamma Pitaka, provide a complete guide to the principles and practices of Buddhism.