TRIPITAKA Meaning and
Definition
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Tripitaka, also known as the Pali Canon, is a term commonly used in Buddhism to refer to the traditional collection of Buddhist scriptures. The word "Tripitaka" is of Sanskrit origin and translates to "Three Baskets" or "Three Collections," highlighting the three main divisions or sections of the canon.
The first division, known as the Vinaya Pitaka, contains rules and regulations for monastic discipline and conduct. It provides detailed guidelines for the monastic community, addressing issues such as rules of ordination, codes of conduct, and procedures for resolving disputes within the sangha or monastic order.
The second section, the Sutta Pitaka, consists of a vast collection of discourses and teachings attributed to Gautama Buddha and his disciples. These discourses cover a wide range of subjects, including ethics, meditation, philosophy, and the nature of reality. They serve as a valuable source of wisdom and guidance for followers of Buddhism.
The final division, the Abhidhamma Pitaka, delves into profound and systematic analysis of the teachings found in the Sutta Pitaka. It presents a detailed examination of the mind and mental factors, classification of phenomena, and advanced aspects of Buddhist philosophy.
The Tripitaka is considered the most important and authoritative scripture in Theravada Buddhism, the oldest surviving branch of Buddhism. However, different versions and translations of the Tripitaka exist in various Buddhist traditions and languages, such as Pali, Sanskrit, Tibetan, and Chinese. It is revered as a vital source for understanding the teachings and principles of Buddhism and serves as a cornerstone for Buddhist scholarship and practice.
Common Misspellings for TRIPITAKA
Etymology of TRIPITAKA
The word "Tripitaka" has its origins in the ancient Indian language of Sanskrit. It is composed of two terms: "tri", meaning "three", and "pitaka", meaning "basket" or "collection".
In Buddhist tradition, the Tripitaka refers to the three main sections or collections of scriptures that form the earliest and most authoritative teachings of the Buddha. These collections are known as the Sutta Pitaka (discourses), the Vinaya Pitaka (monastic discipline), and the Abhidhamma Pitaka (philosophical analysis). They were orally transmitted and later written down in the ancient language of Pali.
The term "Tripitaka" emerged as a way to categorize and refer to these three collections of Buddhist scriptures, emphasizing their importance and significance.
