Significance of Pitaka
Pitaka, in the context of Tibetan Buddhism, refers to a collection of sacred scriptures that encompasses important Buddhist teachings and discourses. This term highlights various scripture compilations studied and preached by notable figures within the tradition, emphasizing its significance in the practice and understanding of Buddhism. In contrast, within Theravada Buddhism, Pitaka specifically denotes the canonical scriptures, including Sutta, Vinaya, and Abhidhamma, which are essential for monks' studies and teachings, rooted in the teachings of the Buddha.
Synonyms: Pali canon, Teachings
In Dutch: Pitaka; In Finnish: Pitaka; In Spanish: Pitaca
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Pitaka'
Pitaka in Buddhism refers to the canonical collection of scriptures central to the Theravada tradition, encompassing teachings and discourses studied by various Buddhist scholars, vital for understanding and disseminating the Buddha's doctrines.
From: Blue Annals (deb-ther sngon-po)
(1) A collection of scriptures that are considered central to Theravada Buddhism, encompassing various teachings and discourses.[1] (2) Sacred texts in Buddhism that Dharmasvamin phyogs las rnam rgyal taught extensively.[2] (3) The ancient scriptures that Byang sems rgyal ba studied well during his upbringing.[3] (4) Collections of Buddhist scriptures that Shakya Byang Chub preached during the day.[4] (5) The sacred scriptures in Buddhism studied by Sgro ston gnam rla brtsegs in his earlier years before interacting with Somanatha.[5]
From: Maha Buddhavamsa—The Great Chronicle of Buddhas
(1) The body of scriptures, including various collections of Suttas and teachings that monks strive to learn and teach.[6] (2) The textual canon of Buddhist scripture that Bodhisatta, Bhikkhu Vijitavi studied and disseminated.[7]
From: A Discourse on Paticcasamuppada
(1) The collection of Buddhist scriptures that contains the teachings of the Buddha, crucial for understanding his doctrine.[8]
From: Milindapanha (questions of King Milinda)
(1) The canonical scriptures of Theravada Buddhism, consisting of the Sutta, Vinaya, and Abhidhamma, which the author of the Questions of Milinda is suggested to have known.[9]
The concept of Pitaka in local and regional sources
Pitaka refers to a sacred Buddhist text encompassing the teachings of Buddha, categorized into Vinaya, Sutta, and Abhidhamma. Additionally, it signifies a box or basket, occasionally associated with land measurement standards.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) The sacred text in Buddhism containing the teachings and sayings of Buddha, divided into three main categories: Vinaya, Sutta, and Abhidhamma.[10]