The term 'Tripitakas' in Buddhism mean three:
baskets
Understanding the Meaning of Tripitakas in Buddhism
The term Tripitakas holds significant importance in Buddhism. It refers to the primary collection of Buddhist scriptures, also known as the Pali Canon in the Theravada tradition.
The word 'Tripitaka' is derived from Sanskrit and Pali words. 'Tri' means three, and 'pitaka' means basket.
Why Tripitakas Mean Three Baskets
The texts were historically written down on palm leaves, and these collections of palm leaves were traditionally stored in baskets. Because the scriptures were divided into three main sections, they came to be known collectively as the 'three baskets', or Tripitakas.
These three main divisions of the Tripitakas are:
- Vinaya Pitaka: This basket contains the rules and regulations for the monastic community (Sangha). It covers disciplinary codes for monks and nuns.
- Sutta Pitaka: This basket contains the discourses or sermons delivered by the Buddha and sometimes by his close disciples. It holds the core teachings on doctrine and practice.
- Abhidhamma Pitaka: This basket contains philosophical and psychological treatises. It provides a systematic analysis of the Buddha's teachings.
Together, these three "baskets" comprise the complete body of early Buddhist doctrine, covering discipline, discourse, and deeper philosophical analysis. Thus, the meaning of Tripitakas in Buddhism is indeed 'three baskets'.
Important Questions from Emergence of heterodox sects - Teaching
The main dispute between the Digambara and the Shvetambara sects was due to the emphasis on the following:
Match List - I with List - II and select the correct answer from the code given below the lists:
List - I
(Jain texts)
List - II
(Writers)
a) Kuvalayamala i) Dhanapala b) Samaraichchhakaha ii) Haribhadra c) Tilakamanjari iii) Somadeva d) Yasastilaka-champu iv) Udyotanasuri Who among the following was the first to become a Jaina nun?
Which of the following are the salient features of Mahayana Buddhism?
(A) Worship of the Buddha image
(B) Assimilation of local cults
(C) The concept of the bodhisattva
(D) Use of Pali for propagating Buddhism
Choose the correct answer from the options give below:
Which of the following are true about the stupa?
(a) The Buddha had enjoined the erection of stupas over his ashes
(b) The custom of rearing stupas was pre-Buddhist
(c) The Jainas also erected this form of memorial in early times
(d) The extant Dhamekha stupa of Sarnath is one of the oldest
Choose the correct option:
