There are a large number of religious
texts and scriptures in Buddhism. They are basically divided into the
following two categories...
Canonical Texts
Also known as the Sutras (in Sanskrit) or Suttas (in Pali), these texts
are considered to the actual sayings of Lord Buddha.
Non-canonical Texts
These texts consist of a range of observations on canonical texts,
discourses on the Dharma and the compilations of quotes, histories,
grammars, etc.
Apart from the above-mentioned texts, there are a number of other
classic scripture of the Buddhists. In the following lines, we have
provided information about some of these texts...
Tripitaka (Pali Canon)
The term Tripitaka means three baskets. Initially, the text was written
on long, narrow leaves, which were sewn at the edges, grouped into
bunches and then, stored in baskets. It is one of the earliest
compilations of Buddhist teachings. Over the years, many new
observations were added to this text and today, it consists of up to 50
volumes. The collection is also known as Tipitaka (in Pali) or the Pali
Canon.
Mahayana Sutras
Tripitaka is considered as a very sacred text by the Mahayana sect of
Buddhism. However, it is not the only text in Mahayana. Infact, it has
been added to the Mahayana Sutras, which particularly reflect Mahayana
concepts. Mahayana Buddhism developed between 200 BCE and 200 CE and
this is the time when most of the Mahayana Sutras were written. There
are over two thousand Mahayana sutras, of which the most important ones
are Lotus Sutra and Heart Sutra.
Tibetan Book of the Dead
The Tibetan Book of the Dead is the Tibetan text written by a Tibetan
monk. It explains the stages of death from the Tibetan point of view.
The experiences of a person at the stages of dying, at the moment of
death, during the 49-day interval between death and rebirth and at
rebirth is recorded in this book.
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