The TipitakaThis is the collection of Pali language texts, based on the teachings of the Buddha, which form the doctrinal foundation of Theravada Buddhism.The Tipitaka and the post-canonical Pali texts, ie. the Commentaries and Chronicles, make up the complete body of classical Theravada texts.

The TipitakaThis is the collection of Pali language texts, based on the teachings of the Buddha, which form the doctrinal foundation of Theravada Buddhism.The Tipitaka and the post-canonical Pali texts, ie. the Commentaries and Chronicles, make up the complete body of classical Theravada texts.

The TipitakaThis is the collection of Pali language texts, based on the teachings of the Buddha, which form the doctrinal foundation of Theravada Buddhism.The Tipitaka and the post-canonical Pali texts, ie. the Commentaries and Chronicles, make up the complete body of classical Theravada texts.

The TipitakaThe teachings were first compiled about 3 months after the Buddha’s passing away, during the First Buddhist Council.They were originally memorized and handed down orally, before being written down at the Aluvihara in Sri Lanka around 29 BCE.

The TipitakaThe teachings were first compiled about 3 months after the Buddha’s passing away, during the First Buddhist Council.They were originally memorized and handed down orally, before being written down at the Aluvihara in Sri Lanka around 29 BCE.

The TipitakaOla leaves were used to record the teachings.These are long, narrow leaves, which were sewn at the edges, then grouped into bunches and stored in baskets. Thus “Ti-pitaka” literally means “three baskets”, as it was divided into three divisions or categories.

The TipitakaOla leaves were used to record the teachings.These are long, narrow leaves, which were sewn at the edges, then grouped into bunches and stored in baskets. Thus “Ti-pitaka” literally means “three baskets”, as it was divided into three divisions or categories.

The TipitakaOla leaves were used to record the teachings.These are long, narrow leaves, which were sewn at the edges, then grouped into bunches and stored in baskets. Thus “Ti-pitaka” literally means “three baskets”, as it was divided into three divisions or categories.

The TipitakaThe Pali Canon is a vast body of literature. The English translation adds up to thousands of pages. Most (but not all) of the Canon has already been published in English over the years. It is about 11 times the size of the Christian Bible, and about two and a half times the Encyclopedia Britannica.

The TipitakaThe Pali Canon is a vast body of literature. The English translation adds up to thousands of pages. Most (but not all) of the Canon has already been published in English over the years. It is about 11 times the size of the Christian Bible, and about two and a half times the Encyclopedia Britannica.

The TipitakaThe Pali Canon is a vast body of literature. The English translation adds up to thousands of pages. Most (but not all) of the Canon has already been published in English over the years. It is about 11 times the size of the Christian Bible, and about two and a half times the Encyclopedia Britannica.

The TipitakaVinaya Pitaka - The rules of conduct governing the daily affairs within the Sangha, for both monks and nuns.Sutta Pitaka - The discourses attributed to the Buddha and a few of his closest disciples. Abhidhamma Pitaka - The doctrines reworked and reorganized into an investigation of mind and matter.

The TipitakaVinaya Pitaka - The rules of conduct governing the daily affairs within the Sangha, for both monks and nuns.Sutta Pitaka - The discourses attributed to the Buddha and a few of his closest disciples. Abhidhamma Pitaka - The doctrines reworked and reorganized into an investigation of mind and matter.

The TipitakaVinaya Pitaka - The rules of conduct governing the daily affairs within the Sangha, for both monks and nuns.Sutta Pitaka - The discourses attributed to the Buddha and a few of his closest disciples. Abhidhamma Pitaka - The doctrines reworked and reorganized into an investigation of mind and matter.

The Vinaya PitakaThis division, made up of 5 books, is mostly concerned with the rules of the Sangha. The rules are preceded by stories and explanations telling how the Buddha came to lay them down.These rules were devised whenever the Buddha encountered various problems or disputes concerning the Sangha.

The Vinaya PitakaThis division, made up of 5 books, is mostly concerned with the rules of the Sangha. The rules are preceded by stories and explanations telling how the Buddha came to lay them down.These rules were devised whenever the Buddha encountered various problems or disputes concerning the Sangha.

The Vinaya Pitaka1. Parajika Pali (Major Offences) : The rules of discipline

concerning 49 major and minor offences and the penalties.2. Pacittiya Pali (Minor Offences) : Deals with the remaining

178 sets of rules for the Bhikkhus and Bhikkhunis.3. Mahavagga Pali (Greater Section) : This contains an account

of the period following the Buddha's Awakening, his sermons to the first five monks, and how some of his great disciples joined the Sangha and attained Awakening. Also rules of conduct and etiquette for the Sangha.

4. Culavagga Pali (Lesser Section) : More rules and procedures for institutional acts or functions.

5. Parivara Pali ( Epitome of the Vinaya ) : Summaries and explanations of the rules for instructional purposes.

The Vinaya Pitaka1. Parajika Pali (Major Offences) : The rules of discipline

concerning 49 major and minor offences and the penalties.2. Pacittiya Pali (Minor Offences) : Deals with the remaining

178 sets of rules for the Bhikkhus and Bhikkhunis.3. Mahavagga Pali (Greater Section) : This contains an account

of the period following the Buddha's Awakening, his sermons to the first five monks, and how some of his great disciples joined the Sangha and attained Awakening. Also rules of conduct and etiquette for the Sangha.

4. Culavagga Pali (Lesser Section) : More rules and procedures for institutional acts or functions.

5. Parivara Pali ( Epitome of the Vinaya ) : Summaries and explanations of the rules for instructional purposes.

The Vinaya Pitaka1. Parajika Pali (Major Offences) : The rules of discipline

concerning 49 major and minor offences and the penalties.2. Pacittiya Pali (Minor Offences) : Deals with the remaining

178 sets of rules for the Bhikkhus and Bhikkhunis.3. Mahavagga Pali (Greater Section) : This contains an account

of the period following the Buddha's Awakening, his sermons to the first five monks, and how some of his great disciples joined the Sangha and attained Awakening. Also rules of conduct and etiquette for the Sangha.

4. Culavagga Pali (Lesser Section) : More rules and procedures for institutional acts or functions.

5. Parivara Pali ( Epitome of the Vinaya ) : Summaries and explanations of the rules for instructional purposes.

The Vinaya Pitaka1. Parajika Pali (Major Offences) : The rules of discipline

concerning 49 major and minor offences and the penalties.2. Pacittiya Pali (Minor Offences) : Deals with the remaining

178 sets of rules for the Bhikkhus and Bhikkhunis.3. Mahavagga Pali (Greater Section) : This contains an account

of the period following the Buddha's Awakening, his sermons to the first five monks, and how some of his great disciples joined the Sangha and attained Awakening. Also rules of conduct and etiquette for the Sangha.

4. Culavagga Pali (Lesser Section) : More rules and procedures for institutional acts or functions.

5. Parivara Pali ( Epitome of the Vinaya ) : Summaries and explanations of the rules for instructional purposes.

The Vinaya Pitaka1. Parajika Pali (Major Offences) : The rules of discipline

concerning 49 major and minor offences and the penalties.2. Pacittiya Pali (Minor Offences) : Deals with the remaining

178 sets of rules for the Bhikkhus and Bhikkhunis.3. Mahavagga Pali (Greater Section) : This contains an account

of the period following the Buddha's Awakening, his sermons to the first five monks, and how some of his great disciples joined the Sangha and attained Awakening. Also rules of conduct and etiquette for the Sangha.

4. Culavagga Pali (Lesser Section) : More rules and procedures for institutional acts or functions.

5. Parivara Pali ( Epitome of the Vinaya ) : Summaries and explanations of the rules for instructional purposes.

The Sutta PitakaThis consists of five collections, or Nikayas, that contain discourses attributed to the Buddha as spoken on various occasions.There are also a few discourses delivered by some of his better known disciples such as Sariputta, Ananda, and Moggallana in it.

The Sutta PitakaThis consists of five collections, or Nikayas, that contain discourses attributed to the Buddha as spoken on various occasions.There are also a few discourses delivered by some of his better known disciples such as Sariputta, Ananda, and Moggallana in it.

The Sutta PitakaMost of the teachings were intended for the Sangha but there are many discourses which deal with both the material and moral progress of the laity. The Buddha successfully adapted the manner and style of his discourses such that he used simpler concepts for the ordinary folk, and more complex ideas for educated and intellectual audiences. 

The Sutta PitakaMost of the teachings were intended for the Sangha but there are many discourses which deal with both the material and moral progress of the laity. The Buddha successfully adapted the manner and style of his discourses such that he used simpler concepts for the ordinary folk, and more complex ideas for educated and intellectual audiences. 

The Sutta Pitaka1. The Digha Nikaya (Collection of Long Discourses) : Contains

34 suttas, some very lengthy, presenting a vivid picture of the different aspects of life and thought at the Buddha's time.

2. The Majjhima Nikaya (Collection of the Middle Length Sayings) : Contains 152 suttas and present the teachings with profound similes and examples.

3. The Samyutta Nikaya (Collection of Kindred Discourses) : This has 2,941 suttas, grouped into five parts, or vaggas.

4. The Anguttara Nikaya (Collection of the Gradual Sayings) : Contains as many as 2,308 small suttas arranged according to the number of topics discussed, from one to eleven.

5. The Khuddaka Nikaya (Collection of Small Texts) : Subdivided into fifteen books which includes the Dhammapada, Sutta Nipata and Jataka stories.

The Sutta Pitaka1. The Digha Nikaya (Collection of Long Discourses) : Contains

34 suttas, some very lengthy, presenting a vivid picture of the different aspects of life and thought at the Buddha's time.

2. The Majjhima Nikaya (Collection of the Middle Length Sayings) : Contains 152 suttas and present the teachings with profound similes and examples.

3. The Samyutta Nikaya (Collection of Kindred Discourses) : This has 2,941 suttas, grouped into five parts, or vaggas.

4. The Anguttara Nikaya (Collection of the Gradual Sayings) : Contains as many as 2,308 small suttas arranged according to the number of topics discussed, from one to eleven.

5. The Khuddaka Nikaya (Collection of Small Texts) : Subdivided into fifteen books which includes the Dhammapada, Sutta Nipata and Jataka stories.

The Sutta Pitaka1. The Digha Nikaya (Collection of Long Discourses) : Contains

34 suttas, some very lengthy, presenting a vivid picture of the different aspects of life and thought at the Buddha's time.

2. The Majjhima Nikaya (Collection of the Middle Length Sayings) : Contains 152 suttas and present the teachings with profound similes and examples.

3. The Samyutta Nikaya (Collection of Kindred Discourses) : This has 2,941 suttas, grouped into five parts, or vaggas.

4. The Anguttara Nikaya (Collection of the Gradual Sayings) : Contains as many as 2,308 small suttas arranged according to the number of topics discussed, from one to eleven.

5. The Khuddaka Nikaya (Collection of Small Texts) : Subdivided into fifteen books which includes the Dhammapada, Sutta Nipata and Jataka stories.

The Sutta Pitaka1. The Digha Nikaya (Collection of Long Discourses) : Contains

34 suttas, some very lengthy, presenting a vivid picture of the different aspects of life and thought at the Buddha's time.

2. The Majjhima Nikaya (Collection of the Middle Length Sayings) : Contains 152 suttas and present the teachings with profound similes and examples.

3. The Samyutta Nikaya (Collection of Kindred Discourses) : This has 2,941 suttas, grouped into five parts, or vaggas.

4. The Anguttara Nikaya (Collection of the Gradual Sayings) : Contains as many as 2,308 small suttas arranged according to the number of topics discussed, from one to eleven.

5. The Khuddaka Nikaya (Collection of Small Texts) : Subdivided into fifteen books which includes the Dhammapada, Sutta Nipata and Jataka stories.

The Sutta Pitaka1. The Digha Nikaya (Collection of Long Discourses) : Contains

34 suttas, some very lengthy, presenting a vivid picture of the different aspects of life and thought at the Buddha's time.

2. The Majjhima Nikaya (Collection of the Middle Length Sayings) : Contains 152 suttas and present the teachings with profound similes and examples.

3. The Samyutta Nikaya (Collection of Kindred Discourses) : This has 2,941 suttas, grouped into five parts, or vaggas.

4. The Anguttara Nikaya (Collection of the Gradual Sayings) : Contains as many as 2,308 small suttas arranged according to the number of topics discussed, from one to eleven.

5. The Khuddaka Nikaya (Collection of Small Texts) : Subdivided into fifteen books which includes the Dhammapada, Sutta Nipata and Jataka stories.

The Abhidhamma PitakaIt comprises seven works based on the Buddha's discourses presented in terms of “Ultimate Realities” as opposed to “Conventional Realities” defining states of mind and matter that are systematically arranged and tabulated. The Pali version of the Abhidhamma is a strictly Theravada collection and is usually not recognized by other Buddhist schools.

The Abhidhamma PitakaIt comprises seven works based on the Buddha's discourses presented in terms of “Ultimate Realities” as opposed to “Conventional Realities” defining states of mind and matter that are systematically arranged and tabulated. The Pali version of the Abhidhamma is a strictly Theravada collection and is usually not recognized by other Buddhist schools.

The Abhidhamma Pitaka1. Dhammasangani (Enumeration of Phenomena) :

Enumerates all the Paramattha Dhammas (Ultimate Realities).

2. Vibhanga (Book of Treatises) : Analysis of 18 topics by various methods, including those of the Dhammasangani.

3. Dhatukatha (Reference to the Elements) : A reiteration of the foregoing, in the form of questions and answers.

4. Puggalapannatti (Description of Individuals) : Explanations of types of person, arranged numerically.

5. Kathavatthu (Points of Controversy) : Compiled by Moggaliputta Tissa during the Third Council, clarifying points of controversy and rebutting heretical teachings.

6. Yamaka (The Book of Pairs) : A logical analysis of many concepts presented in the earlier books, arranged in pairs.

7. Patthana (The Book of Relations) : Describes the 24 paccayas, or laws of causal relationships.

The Abhidhamma Pitaka1. Dhammasangani (Enumeration of Phenomena) :

Enumerates all the Paramattha Dhammas (Ultimate Realities).

2. Vibhanga (Book of Treatises) : Analysis of 18 topics by various methods, including those of the Dhammasangani.

3. Dhatukatha (Reference to the Elements) : A reiteration of the foregoing, in the form of questions and answers.

4. Puggalapannatti (Description of Individuals) : Explanations of types of person, arranged numerically.

5. Kathavatthu (Points of Controversy) : Compiled by Moggaliputta Tissa during the Third Council, clarifying points of controversy and rebutting heretical teachings.

6. Yamaka (The Book of Pairs) : A logical analysis of many concepts presented in the earlier books, arranged in pairs.

7. Patthana (The Book of Relations) : Describes the 24 paccayas, or laws of causal relationships.

The Abhidhamma Pitaka1. Dhammasangani (Enumeration of Phenomena) :

Enumerates all the Paramattha Dhammas (Ultimate Realities).

2. Vibhanga (Book of Treatises) : Analysis of 18 topics by various methods, including those of the Dhammasangani.

3. Dhatukatha (Reference to the Elements) : A reiteration of the foregoing, in the form of questions and answers.

4. Puggalapannatti (Description of Individuals) : Explanations of types of person, arranged numerically.

5. Kathavatthu (Points of Controversy) : Compiled by Moggaliputta Tissa during the Third Council, clarifying points of controversy and rebutting heretical teachings.

6. Yamaka (The Book of Pairs) : A logical analysis of many concepts presented in the earlier books, arranged in pairs.

7. Patthana (The Book of Relations) : Describes the 24 paccayas, or laws of causal relationships.

The Abhidhamma Pitaka1. Dhammasangani (Enumeration of Phenomena) :

Enumerates all the Paramattha Dhammas (Ultimate Realities).

2. Vibhanga (Book of Treatises) : Analysis of 18 topics by various methods, including those of the Dhammasangani.

3. Dhatukatha (Reference to the Elements) : A reiteration of the foregoing, in the form of questions and answers.

4. Puggalapannatti (Description of Individuals) : Explanations of types of person, arranged numerically.

5. Kathavatthu (Points of Controversy) : Compiled by Moggaliputta Tissa during the Third Council, clarifying points of controversy and rebutting heretical teachings.

6. Yamaka (The Book of Pairs) : A logical analysis of many concepts presented in the earlier books, arranged in pairs.

7. Patthana (The Book of Relations) : Describes the 24 paccayas, or laws of causal relationships.

The Abhidhamma Pitaka1. Dhammasangani (Enumeration of Phenomena) :

Enumerates all the Paramattha Dhammas (Ultimate Realities).

2. Vibhanga (Book of Treatises) : Analysis of 18 topics by various methods, including those of the Dhammasangani.

3. Dhatukatha (Reference to the Elements) : A reiteration of the foregoing, in the form of questions and answers.

4. Puggalapannatti (Description of Individuals) : Explanations of types of person, arranged numerically.

5. Kathavatthu (Points of Controversy) : Compiled by Moggaliputta Tissa during the Third Council, clarifying points of controversy and rebutting heretical teachings.

6. Yamaka (The Book of Pairs) : A logical analysis of many concepts presented in the earlier books, arranged in pairs.

7. Patthana (The Book of Relations) : Describes the 24 paccayas, or laws of causal relationships.

The Abhidhamma Pitaka1. Dhammasangani (Enumeration of Phenomena) :

Enumerates all the Paramattha Dhammas (Ultimate Realities).

2. Vibhanga (Book of Treatises) : Analysis of 18 topics by various methods, including those of the Dhammasangani.

3. Dhatukatha (Reference to the Elements) : A reiteration of the foregoing, in the form of questions and answers.

4. Puggalapannatti (Description of Individuals) : Explanations of types of person, arranged numerically.

5. Kathavatthu (Points of Controversy) : Compiled by Moggaliputta Tissa during the Third Council, clarifying points of controversy and rebutting heretical teachings.

6. Yamaka (The Book of Pairs) : A logical analysis of many concepts presented in the earlier books, arranged in pairs.

7. Patthana (The Book of Relations) : Describes the 24 paccayas, or laws of causal relationships.

The Abhidhamma Pitaka1. Dhammasangani (Enumeration of Phenomena) :

Enumerates all the Paramattha Dhammas (Ultimate Realities).

2. Vibhanga (Book of Treatises) : Analysis of 18 topics by various methods, including those of the Dhammasangani.

3. Dhatukatha (Reference to the Elements) : A reiteration of the foregoing, in the form of questions and answers.

4. Puggalapannatti (Description of Individuals) : Explanations of types of person, arranged numerically.

5. Kathavatthu (Points of Controversy) : Compiled by Moggaliputta Tissa during the Third Council, clarifying points of controversy and rebutting heretical teachings.

6. Yamaka (The Book of Pairs) : A logical analysis of many concepts presented in the earlier books, arranged in pairs.

7. Patthana (The Book of Relations) : Describes the 24 paccayas, or laws of causal relationships.

Prepared by T Y Lee

www.justbegood.net