Back to Basics: Tipitaka part-1

 

Back to Basics: Tipitaka

The Tipitaka (from Pali language is made of two words— ti, which means three, and pitaka, meaning a basket),  is an extensive body of canonical pali literature, which are a collection of the Buddha’s teachings. These teachings were expounded by the Buddha for 45 years from his enlightenment to mahaparinirvana.These teachings were regularly recited by the sangha, and passed on to the next generation through oral recitation. The teachings of Buddha cover a wide field of subjects intended both for lay disciples, monks and nuns. 

Tipitaka is the traditional term used for describing the Buddhist scriptures. It has three divisions. The metaphor basket signifies being handed over or passed on from one to another. Thus, these three divisions, put together in a basket which has been carried forward, are referred to as Tipitaka.

These three divisions are –

Vinaya Piṭaka

(Book of rules and discipline)

Sutta Pitaka

(Discourse of Buddha)

Abhidhamma Piṭaka

(Ultimate teachings)

#Buddha #Buddhism #Zen #Life #Lifestyle #wisdomwinds