Guide To Tipitaka

Book Details:

• Title: Outline of the Tipitaka

• Author: U Ko Lay

• Publisher: Sri Satguru Publications

• Language: English

• Edition: 1990

• ISBN: 9788170302193

• Pages: 168

• Cover: Hardcover

• Dimensions: 22.5 cm x 14.5 cm

• Weight: 330 gm

About the Book:

The Tipitaka is a monumental body of Canonical Pali literature that enshrines the teachings of Gautama Buddha, covering the period from his enlightenment to his parinibbana (final nirvana). The text is divided into three main sections, known as the Pitakas, each addressing different aspects of Buddhist teachings:

1. Vinaya Pitaka: This division contains the Buddha's instructions on the conduct and discipline for the bhikkhus (monks) and bhikkhunis (nuns), focusing on both bodily and verbal actions. It lays out the rules of discipline that ensure ethical behavior within the Buddhist monastic community.

2. Suttanta Pitaka: This section includes the general discourses and sermons delivered by the Buddha, meant for both monastics and lay disciples. These teachings encompass a broad array of subjects and provide practical guidance on how to live in accordance with Buddhist principles.

3. Abhidhamma Pitaka: The most philosophical and abstract division of the Tipitaka, this section explores the ultimate truths of existence, including the relationship between mind and matter, providing a deeper, more analytical view of the Buddha's teachings.

Together, these three divisions make up the Tipitaka, also known as the "Three Baskets". This book provides a comprehensive overview of the Tipitaka, offering a bird's-eye view of the vast and intricate canonical landscape of the Buddha's teachings, as preserved in the Pali Canon.

Preface:

The Tipitaka was systematically compiled and classified after the Buddha's passing to ensure that his teachings were preserved accurately. Since the teachings were initially passed down verbally, early disciples took great care to organize the teachings into manageable sections, making it easier to memorize and pass on. Over time, the teachings were divided into three major sections or Pitakas, forming the core of Theravada Buddhism.

• Suttanta Pitaka: This division covers the general discourses that the Buddha gave, which address a wide range of topics and provide both exhortations and practical guidance.

• Vinaya Pitaka: Here, the Buddha's disciplinary rules for monks and nuns are discussed, offering a framework for ethical conduct in the monastic community.

• Abhidhamma Pitaka: The philosophical heart of the Tipitaka, this section delves into the deeper, more analytical aspects of the Buddha's teachings, such as the nature of mind, matter, and ultimate truths.

The metaphor of the "three baskets" in the term Tipitaka refers to the way these teachings were passed down over generations, not merely stored but handed from teacher to disciple, like carrying earth away from a construction site in baskets.

This book aims to present an outline of the Tipitaka, highlighting the structure and significance of each of its components. It serves as an introductory guide for anyone wishing to study the Pali Canon and gain a deeper understanding of the Buddha’s teachings.

Conclusion:

The Outline of the Tipitaka by U Ko Lay provides an essential entry point for those interested in exploring the core scriptures of Theravada Buddhism. The book synthesizes the vast content of the Pali Canon into a more accessible format, offering readers a deeper understanding of how the Buddha's teachings are organized and presented in the Tipitaka, from ethical guidelines to profound philosophical discussions. This work is invaluable for both scholars and beginners in their journey to study and understand the foundational texts of Buddhism.