2.2 The Tipitaka
- The Tipitaka is another name for the Pali Canon
- Buddhists don’t follow scriptures dogmatically, they systematically set out to validate their truths
- The Pali Canon = First written in Sri Lanka in the 1st century BCE.
· The Tipitaka is the three baskets:
1. Vinaya Pitaka.
2. Sutta Pitaka.
3. Abhidharma.
Different Sections:
Vinaya Pitaka:
Authoritative for Theravada.Rules for monastic life, maintaining order and harmony within the community. Aims to create a conducive environment for practicing the Buddha's teachings. Contains 227 Patimokkha Rules.
Includes the rules governing the life of every Theravada monk and nun as well as a host of conventions and etiquette to support harmonious relations.
Helps harmonise relations within monasteries (Vinaya for lay practitioners). Lay practitioners find it useful because it contains lessons on human nature and guidance for a harmonious community.
Another section, the Khandhaka, deals with the overall organisation of the Sangha.
‘It provides a complete way of life, a rule of conduct’ - Gombrich
"Vinaya reflects early monastic needs and may not be directly applicable to laypeople". Donald Keown, "Buddhism: A Very Short Introduction"
"Vinaya principles like mindfulness and discipline are relevant for all Buddhists. Anagarika Dharmapala," "Return to Buddha": A collection of speeches and writings.
Sutta Pitaka:
Collection of discourses attributed to the Buddha, covering diverse topics and is the written source of the Buddhist dharma. Key source for understanding the Buddha's teachings and the path to enlightenment.
Includes foundational teachings such as the 4 Noble Truths and the 8 fold path found in the Samyutta Nikaya (Kindred Sayings).
Communicated by chanting.
Over 10,000 suttas
Today studied by the Theravada, the Mahayana regard it is historically important but incomplete.
Said the Buddha’s disciple, Ananada could recite all of the Buddha’s sermons by memory.
‘The Buddha’s teaching was preserved orally in various chant forms until about 80BC when it was written down’ – www.buddhamind.info
"Suttas may contain later embellishments, requiring critical analysis." (Donald Keown, "The Nature of Buddhist Ethics)
"Suttas offer timeless wisdom and guidance on ethical living and meditation." (Walpola Rahula, "The Heritage of the Bhikkhu": Rahula discusses the Suttas as the foundation of Buddhist monastic life and their enduring importance for understanding the Buddha's path.
Abhidhamma Pitaka:
Systematic analysis of the Buddha's teachings, using philosophical concepts. It offers an extraordinarily detailed analysis of the basic natural principles that govern physical and mental processes.
Primarily studied by monastics and scholars.
Tells us the Buddha spent 3 months preaching it in one of the deva realms. Each day he’d return to tell Sariputta what he had taught.
In Sri Lanka, it is just as important as the Vinaya and Sutta. In Thai Buddhism it holds a relatively minor role.
Most Theravadins accept the authority of the Abhidhamma because it contains Philosophical and Psychological analysis by scholars accepted as masters of the tradition.
"Abhidhamma may be too complex and abstract for general understanding" (D.T. Suzuki "Manual of Zen Buddhism," Part III, Chapter 1: Suzuki discusses the Abhidhamma as a "system of philosophical analysis")
"Abhidhamma provides deeper insights into Buddhist thought and practice." (Walpola Rahula, "What the Buddha Taught," Chapter 9: Rahula states that the Abhidhamma offers "a deeper understanding of the Buddha's teachings" and clarifies them "in a more systematic and analytical way.")
Bhikkhu Bodhi, "In the Buddha's Words," Introduction to the Abhidhamma Pitaka: Bodhi writes that the Abhidhamma "sheds light on the subtle workings of the mind" and "provides a framework for understanding the Buddha's teachings in greater depth."
Status, Collection, and Formation:
Not a single authored text, compiled centuries after the Buddha's death.
Transmitted orally for generations before written down.
Different versions and interpretations exist across Theravada traditions.
"Oral transmission ensured flexibility and adaptation to different contexts." (D.T. Suzuki)
"Written versions helped preserve teachings but may contain later additions." (Walpola Rahula -What the Buddha Taught )
Significance and Use:
Source of inspiration, guidance, and ethical principles. Used for study, meditation, and ritual practices.
The Pali Canon sets out morality: The Dhammapada 184 ‘Cease to do evil, learn to do good, purify the mind, this is the teaching of all the Buddhas’
Wisdom is important à believed to be the words of the Buddha – so used to reach enlightenment.
Considered authentic and authoritative – has been recited for many years.
Also, historically important.
The Sutta and Vinaya lay out practical aspects of the Buddhist path to awakening, the Abhidhamma provides a theoretical framework to the causal underpinning of that very path. Foundation for Theravada Buddhist beliefs and practices.
Vinaya = sets out rules to foster good relationships and maintain order in a monastic community setting. à Instill values indirectly to the wider sangha by serving to guide the laity and prevent distraction.
"Tipitaka offers a rich resource for personal and communal growth". (Bhikkhu Bodhi: "In the Buddha's Words")
"Importance of critical interpretation and avoiding literalism." (D.T. Suzuki- Manual of Zen Buddhism)
The Significance of the Vinaya for the Sangha
Evidently one of the reasons Buddhism has survived into the 21st century is due to the unbroken lineage of the monastic sangha. Might not have been the case if it was not for the application of the Vinaya rules.
This means that monks and nuns are able to commit to a simple life.
The Vinaya = inherently patriarchal so irrelevant and outdated in c21 à Rita Goss considers the Pali Canon from a feminist perspective and suggests that the texts are ‘ambiguous and contradictory regarding women’. The voices of women are lacking as the texts were written by men.
However, given the position of women at the time of the historical Buddha, it was very radical for him to have allowed women to be ordained at all
Nevertheless, it is reasonable to expect gender equality today. In the Burmese sangha monks now observe and undertake all 311 rules.
The Significance of the Suta for the Sangha
Historically important (Although may lack accuracy à Mahayana regard to Sutta as historically accurate yet incomplete) Sets out morality – in particular within the Dhammapadas
Helps to reach enlightenment - words of the Buddha – Sutta contains the 4 Noble Truths and the 8-fold path. (The 8-fold path promotes a lifestyle which can develop the condition in life which successfully promotes the path of Buddhism)
The Significance of the Abhidhama for the Sangha
Overview:
· Role in Theravada:
o Canonical work, contains exclusively all the teachings of the Buddha.
o Outlines Buddhist lifestyle and Sangha, ensure (very) eventual nirvana, uncorrupted Buddhacara.
· Mahayana view on scriptures:
o Accept Tipitaka in addition to Prajnaparamita.
o However, Lotus Sutra is the definitive teaching.
o Heart Sutra: foundation of Madhyamika school.
o Transmitted from other worlds in secret, only released later as pupils weren't ready.
· Vajrayanins view:
o Scripture unwieldy for traveling monks.
o Memorising: deep understanding.
o Brahmins critiqued for written script as enforced one interpretation and created literate elite.
· Is it accurate?:
o No:
§ Unreliability of memory, especially over 3-400 years, mnemonic devices distort scripture.
· Keown:
o "There is internal evidence of evolution and change."
o "There is considerable disparity" between versions of the Tipitaka.
o Yes:
§ Oral tradition can be accurate, mnemonic devices help memory, Stylistic coherence of the Canon.
· P Harvey:
o "overall harmony."
· Meghaprasara:
o "Buddha recommended that one investigates for oneself the truth of any doctrine."
· Buddhacova:
o Word of the Buddha.
· Tipitaka's importance:
o Yes:
§ Buddhacava, earliest available scripture, prevalent in all sects, Vinaya secures and directs Sangha, Suttas are direct teachings, Abhi- is philosophical backing to teachings.
o No: Not utilised by the Laity or M/V monks, little importance to M, Abhidharma only for advanced scholars, too simplistic for M.
· Development of the Tipitaka:
o 1. Word of the Buddha.
2. Disciples memorise teachings.
3. 1st council- unanimous agreement on Sutta and Vinaya.
4. 300-400 years of oral tradition.
5. Malinda transcribes 3-1st BC.
o Meghaprasara on:
§ 1st council:
· Sutta and Vinaya "approved unanimously" by 500 arhats.
§ 2nd council:
· "settle a serious dispute over the ten points".
§ 3rd council:
· "Rid the Sangha of corruption."
· Weakness is that there are more rules for Women.
o Dhammapadda:
§ "One who has such a vehicle, whether a woman or a man, by means of this vehicle draws close to nirvana."
Vinaya Pitaka:
· The rules for the Sangha.
1. Suttavibhanga:
1. 227 rules for monks and 311 for Bhikkunis, 5 precepts
2. Khandaka:
1. e.g. fortnightly Uposatha
3. Parivara:
1. summary and analysis of rules
· Purpose:
o To provide the word of the Buddha and the route to Enlightenment that that brings along with it.
· 5 Nikayas:
o 1-4 are doctrinal and the 5th is anecdotal.
· Theravada:
o "The textual framework upon which the monastic community is built."
o "Were it not for the Vinaya... there would be no Buddhism"
· Keown on it:
o "Cultivating the virtues."
o "Ethics is given a central place."
o "To regulate in all detail the life within the community."
o But he questions it:
§ "No more than an authoritative guide to the teachings of the Buddha."
· Cush:
o "Governing the organisation of the Sangha."
· Minor offences:
o Pacittiya:
§ E.g. Tickling.
· Major offences:
o 4 Parajikas:
§ The greatest offences for monks:
· Sex, killing, theft, claiming supernatural powers.
· The Dhammapada and the Jakarta Tales are part of the Sutta Pitaka.
o Dhammapada:
§ "If a man speaks many holy words but does not, this thoughtless man cannot enjoy the life of holiness."
Abhidhamma Pittaka:
· Metaphysical and Theological analysis of the Buddha's teachings.
· First two baskets: agreed upon unanimously at 1st Council.
o However, the abhidhamma is a conscious analysis of this teaching and was only agreed upon at the third council: less likely to be the word of the Buddha.
· Side:
o "Philosophical analysis of the Buddha's teachings."
o "Topics such as human psychology and the relationship between mind and matter."
· Theravada:
o "The familiar psycho-physical universe... is distilled to its essence."
o "The essence of the Abhidhamma was formulated by the Buddha during the fourth week after his Enlightenment."
§ But how could he analyse his life's work 4 weeks into it?
· Keown:
o "One time the abhidhamma pitaka did not form a separate section."
Tipitaka: "Three Baskets," core scripture collection of Theravada Buddhism
Vinaya Pitaka: Monastic code and rules
Sutta Pitaka: Discourses attributed to the Buddha
Abhidhamma Pitaka: Analytical and philosophical teachings
Theravada: "School of the Elders," emphasizes individual liberation
Enlightenment: Awakening, liberation from suffering
Oral transmission: Traditional method of preserving Buddhist teachings
-
Meghaprasara on treatment of the Tipitaka = ‘Buddha recommended that on investigates for oneself the truth of any doctrine’
Keown on Vinaya = ‘ethics is given a central place’ and ‘to regulate in all detail the life within the community’
Keown on validity of the Sutta Pitaka = ‘No more than an authoritative guide to the teachings of the Buddha’ and ‘there is internal evidence of evolution and change’
Meghaprasara overall on the Tipitaka = ‘taught by the Buddha himself’ , ‘a treasure’ and ‘preserve the Buddha’s doctrine in its purest form’
Meghaprasara on the 1st Buddhist council = ‘approved unanimously’ by 500 arhats
Meghaprasara on the 3rd Buddhist council = ‘rid the Sangha of corruption’ and ‘those who held wrong views were exposed and expelled’