Central Idea

A team from Buddhavanam Theme Park in Hyderabad embarked on a significant visit to Sri Lanka.
Their destination: the third-century BC Buddhist rock-cut caves at Mathale, situated on the Colombo-Kandy route.

Why such move?

The team noted that the teachings of Lord Buddha, known as Tripitaka (Sutra, Vinaya, and Abhidhamma pitakas), were originally transmitted orally.
However, it was under the auspices of Sri Lankan king Devanampiya Tissa, a contemporary of King Asoka, that these teachings were written on palm leaves in Sri Lanka.
This event marked the advent of Buddhist literature in India.

The Tripitaka, also known as the Pali Canon, is a collection of sacred Buddhist scriptures that form the foundational texts of the Theravada Buddhist tradition.
It is divided into three sections, known as the Tripitaka, which literally means “Three Baskets.”

The Tripitaka was orally transmitted from the time of Gautama Buddha in the 5th century BCE until it was eventually written down in the 1st century BCE.
It holds immense historical and religious significance as it contains the teachings, discourses, rules, and guidelines given by the Buddha and his prominent disciples.

Comprises the rules and guidelines for monastic discipline in the Buddhist community.
Provides detailed instructions on the conduct and behavior expected from monks and nuns.
Covers various aspects, including ethical guidelines, disciplinary codes, and procedures for resolving disputes.
Offers insights into the monastic life, the organization of the Sangha (monastic community), and the role of the monastic code in maintaining harmony and ethical conduct.

Contains the discourses and teachings delivered by Buddha and his close disciples.
Includes a vast collection of discourses covering a wide range of topics, such as ethics, meditation, philosophy, and social issues.
Consists of individual Suttas (discourses) grouped into different collections or Nikayas, such as the Digha Nikaya (Long Discourses), Majjhima Nikaya (Middle-Length Discourses), Samyutta Nikaya (Connected Discourses), and Anguttara Nikaya (Numerical Discourses).
Presents the Buddha’s profound teachings on the Four Noble Truths, the Noble Eightfold Path, dependent origination, and other core concepts of Buddhism.

Provides a comprehensive and systematic analysis of Buddhist philosophy and psychology.
Explores the nature of mind, consciousness, and reality in intricate detail.
Presents the teachings in a more technical and analytical manner, offering an advanced understanding of Buddhist concepts.
Divided into seven books, known as the Abhidhamma books, which delve into topics such as consciousness, mental factors, elements, and the path to liberation.
Offers a deep exploration of the ultimate nature of existence and the workings of the mind.

Authenticity and Authority: The Tripitaka is regarded as the most authoritative and authentic collection of Buddhist scriptures in the Theravada tradition.
Canonical Language: The texts are primarily written in Pali, an ancient Indian language close to the language spoken during the Buddha’s time.
Extensive Coverage: The Tripitaka covers a wide range of topics, offering comprehensive guidance for practitioners in various aspects of life.
Preservation of Early Buddhist Teachings: The Tripitaka is believed to preserve the original teachings of the Buddha, providing insights into his wisdom and teachings.