Buddhist Holy Books » Tibet Dharma

Sacred texts form a collection of Buddhist Holy Books: from the Tripitika to the Heart Sutra.

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Summary: Buddhist Holy Books and Scriptures

Entities:

Buddhism (Religion)
Canon (Collection of Texts) – Buddhist Scriptures
Tripitaka (Collection of Texts) – Pali Canon (Theravada Buddhism)
Vinaya Pitaka (Collection of Texts) – Monastic rules and regulations (Theravada)
Sutta Pitaka (Collection of Texts) – Discourses attributed to the Buddha (Theravada)
Abhidhamma Pitaka (Collection of Texts) – Philosophical and psychological teachings (Theravada)
Mahayana Buddhism (School of Thought)
Theravada Buddhism (School of Thought)
Vajrayana Buddhism (School of Thought)
Four Noble Truths (Concept) – Foundational Buddhist concept (often found in Sutta Pitaka)
Eightfold Path (Concept) – Foundational Buddhist concept (often found in Sutta Pitaka)

Relationships:

Contains (Relationship Between Collections): Canon – Vinaya Pitaka, Sutta Pitaka, Abhidhamma Pitaka (Theravada)
Canon Of (Relationship Between Religion and Collection): Buddhism – Canon (Tripitaka)
Part Of (Relationship Between Collection and School): Tripitaka – Theravada Buddhism
Contains (Relationship Between Collection and Concept): Sutta Pitaka – Four Noble Truths, Eightfold Path
Emphasizes (Relationship Between School and Concept): Mahayana Buddhism – Compassion

Exploring Buddhist Holy Books

Unlike religions with a single holy book, Buddhism possesses a treasure trove of scriptures known as the Canon (Tripitaka in Pali). These texts, believed to be the teachings of the Buddha himself, offer a window into the heart of Buddhist wisdom.

A truckload of Texts:

The Buddhist Canon isn’t a monolithic entity. There are three main Canons, each reflecting the traditions that hold them sacred:

Pali Canon (Theravada Buddhism): Considered closest to the Buddha’s original words, this Canon is divided into three sections:
- Vinaya Pitaka: A guide for monastic life, outlining rules and regulations.
- Sutta Pitaka: The jewel in the crown, containing discourses attributed to the Buddha himself. Here you’ll find the foundational teachings like the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path.
- Abhidhamma Pitaka: Delving deeper, this section explores philosophical and psychological concepts that expand on core Buddhist ideas.
Chinese Canon (Mahayana Buddhism): This extensive Canon incorporates the Pali Canon but adds Mahayana sutras, emphasizing compassion and the potential for all beings to achieve enlightenment.
Tibetan Canon (Vajrayana Buddhism): The most voluminous of the three, it includes unique Vajrayana teachings like tantras and esoteric rituals alongside texts from other traditions.

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Why the Canon Matters:

The Buddhist Canon serves as the bedrock of Buddhist thought and practice. It offers:

The Foundation: These texts provide the core philosophical and ethical framework that guides Buddhist practitioners.
A Historical Record: They act as a window into the life and teachings of the Buddha, preserving his message for future generations.
A Practical Guide: The Canon offers invaluable instructions for meditation, ethical conduct, and the path to enlightenment.

Journey to Buddhist Holy Books Land

While the vastness of the Canon might seem intimidating, there are many ways to begin your exploration:

Translated Excerpts: Websites and books offer accessible selections from the Canon in modern English, making the core teachings readily available.
Secondary Sources: Books and articles by Buddhist scholars provide summaries and explanations of core concepts, offering valuable context.
Guided Meditation: Many resources use excerpts from the Canon as meditation guides, allowing you to directly connect with the Buddha’s words.

By venturing into the Buddhist Canon, you unlock a treasure chest of wisdom that can illuminate your path and guide you towards a more meaningful life. Remember, the journey of discovery is just as important as the destination itself. So, take a step forward, explore these sacred texts, and allow the wisdom of the Buddha to enrich your understanding of the world and your place within it.

Buddha Nature: The Mahayana Uttaratantra Shastra

This title conveys several key pieces of information:

Buddha Nature: This refers to the core concept of the text, which is the inherent potential for enlightenment that exists within all beings.
The Mahayana Uttaratantra Shastra: This specifies that the text belongs to the Mahayana school of Buddhism and is a commentary (shastra) on the Uttaratantra, a Mahayana sutra.

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Related Terms for Buddhist Holy Books

Canon Names: