Buddhism Sacred Texts

The study of Buddhist texts is one of the most important religious activities a Buddhist can perform. After the death of Buddha the Sangha (community) compiled his teachings and these were transmitted through an oral tradition. The rules of the Sangha and the Buddha’s teachings were recited in the Pali language. The collection of writings was known as the Tripitaka, or “three baskets”. These included the discourses of Buddha, the rules of discipline for Buddhist monks and nuns, and further knowledge or teachings.

Vinaya Pitaka (Basket of Discipline) This is the smallest ‘basket’ and it is comprised of 227 rules for monks and 311 rules for nuns, that cover subjects such as simplicity and celibacy. The Vinaya has three sections: 1.Sutra-vibhanga: contains rules, explanations and commentaries 2.Khandhaka: deals with regulations for communal living as well as rules for clothing and food 3.Parivara: contains extra precepts that vary from school to school.

Sutra Pitaka (Basket of Threads) The Sutra Pitaka is a collection of myths, stories, sayings and teachings related to the Buddha. It is usually divided into 5 sections called nikayas: 1.Digha Nikaya: has 34 sutras, including a sutra which is thought to contain some of the actual words of the Buddha 2.Majjhima Nikaya:has 152 sutras grouped into fifteen sections. 3.Samyutta Nikaya: has 7762 sutras in 56 groups that are arranged according to subject. 4.Anguttara Nikaya: contains 2308 sutras organised in eleven groups that are single teachings. 5.Khuddaka Nikaya: has 15 sutras that are minor teachings that do not easily fit into the other nikayas.

Abhidhamma Pitaka (Basket of Higher Teaching) The third basket contains seven separate works which reflect the early doctrine of Buddhism, but also explore the ideas from a philosophical perspective. These texts are considered to be a highly advanced form of the Buddha’s teachings that were revealed from the heavenly realm after his death. Over time the scriptures were translated into a variety of languages and further interpretations were added.

When the Sangha divided, Mahayana Buddhists recorded their version of the scriptures using sanskrit, and ancient Indian language. There is no fixed canon for Mahayana Buddhism which also uses texts in Tibetan, Japanese and Chinese. The Chinese Canon has 45 supplementary volumes and includes the Tantras and the Sastras, commentaries, histories, biographies, encyclopedias and dictionaries. The Lotus Sutra is widely used by Mahayana Buddhists in East Asia.

The Tibetan Canon contains much of the Chinese Canon, as well as some texts that are unique to Tibetan Buddhism. Books or texts as considered sacred because they contain the Dharma. They are kept in places of honour in shrines. It is widely thought that Zen Buddhism bypasses the written texts altogether and professes an oral transmission of truths from generation to generation, outside of the scriptures. But Zen Buddhists do incorporate sacred texts and also use ‘Koans’ to help break through the delusions of the mind.

The Great Prajna Paramita Heart Sutra Avalokiteshvara BodhisattvaAvalokiteshvara Bodhisattva, practicing deep PrajnaPrajna ParamitaParamita, Clearly saw that all five skandhas are empty,skandhasempty Transforming anguish and distress. ShariputraShariputra, form is no other than emptiness, Emptiness no other than form; Form is exactly emptiness, emptiness exactly form; Sensation, perception, mental reaction, consciousness Are also like this. Shariputra, all things are essentially empty – Not born, not destroyed; Not stained, not pure; without loss, without gain. Therefore in emptiness there is no form, no sensation, No eye, ear, nose tongue, body, mind, No colour, sound, smell, taste, touch, Object of thought; No seeing and so on to no thinking; No ignorance and also no ending of ignorance, And so on to no old age and death; No anguish, cause of anguish, cessation, path; No wisdom and no attainment. Since there is nothing to attain, The Bodhisattva lives by Prajna Paramita, With no hindrance in the mind; No hindrance and therefore no fear; Far beyond delusive thinking, right here is Nirvana. All Buddhas of past, present, and future Live by Prajna Paramita, Attaining Anuttara-samyak-sambodhi.Anuttara-samyak-sambodhi. Therefore know that Prajna Paramita Is the great sacred mantra, the great vivid mantra, The unsurpassed mantra, the supreme mantra, Which completely removes all anguish. This is truth, not mere formality. Therefore set forth the Prajna Paramita mantra, Set forth this mantra and proclaim: Gate Gate paragate parasamgate Bodhi Svaha!

u-Ag u-Ag b2Yw b2Yw

Further Information red_texts.htm /buddhism_across_asia.aspx

References Goldburg, Peta. Investigating World Religions. Cambridge University Press, New York, 2009.