1. BUDDHIST SCRIPTURES The oral and written tradition

2. The Oral Tradition Buddha’s lifetime – oral language of Magadhi (Magadha) Advice to Sangha - teach in the language of the people Sangha had to be proficient in many languages Recitations Continuous stream of teachers/students

4. The Oral tradition Three months after the Buddha died – The 1st Council Rajagraha Ven Upali/Ven Ananda 100 years later – 2 nd Council Vinaya and Dhamma Listening to chanting and recitation = Pirit (gives protection to the scripture)

5. Chanting Nichiren students in Japan chant the title of the Lotus Sutra in Japanese – “Namu Myotto Renge Kyo” – “I seek refuge in the Lotus Sutra” Tibetan students chant – “Om Mani Padme Hum” – “Hail the jewel in the Lotus” In China, Pure Land Buddhists chant – “ namu Amida Butsu” (called the Nembutsu) – “Praise the Amida Buddha”

6. Oral Tradition continued The 3 rd Council – time of Asoka Teaching again recited and agreed Vinaya Pitaka and Sutta Pitaka as before but now the Abhidhamma Pitaka added – discussions, analysis and explanations of the Buddha’s teachings