Tripitaka: The Three Baskets

The foundational scriptural canon of Theravada Buddhism, representing the oral teachings of the Buddha compiled through early councils.

Study Notes

1. Core Study Notes

Core Structure

  • Vinaya: Discipline
  • Sutta: Discourses
  • Abhidhamma: Philosophy

Key Figures

  • Upali: Expert in Vinaya
  • Ananda: Expert in Sutta
  • Mahakassapa: Led 1st Council

The Three Pillars

  • Vinaya Pitaka: Code of conduct for Monks (Bhikkhus) and Nuns (Bhikkhunis). Includes Patimokkha rules.
  • Sutta Pitaka: Largest collection; Buddha’s sermons, dialogues, and Jataka tales.
  • Abhidhamma Pitaka: Systematic, scholastic analysis of Buddhist doctrines, meta-psychology.
PitakaFocusKey Components
VinayaConductSutta-vibhanga, Khandhaka, Parivara
SuttaDoctrineDigha, Majjhima, Samyutta, Anguttara, Khuddaka
AbhidhammaAnalysisDhammasangani, Kathavatthu, etc.
VinayaSuttaAbhidhamma

The Chronological Framework

Click on any period card below to view its key archaeological characteristics, tool types, and major Indian sites.

Practice Zone: 50 Questions

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