Buddhist Literature

Question 1

Dipavamsa

Answer 1

z It was written in the 3rd-4th centuries BC in Anuradhapura (Sri Lanka).
z It provides a historical account of Buddhism in Sri Lanka and narrates Buddha’s visit to
Sri Lanka and the relics of Buddha.

Question 2

Milinda Panho

Answer 2

The book mentions the dialogue between King Meander (or Milinda) and Buddhist monk
Nagasena.

Question 3

Mahavamsa

Answer 3

z It is a Sri Lankan Pali account and dates back to 3rd-4th centuries BC.
z It provides a historical account of various kingdoms of South Asia.

Question 4

Lalitavistara Sutra
(“The Play in Full”)

Answer 4

It is a Mahayana text that narrates various stories related to the life of the Buddha until
his first sermon at Sarnath.

Question 5

Udana

Answer 5

It is one of the oldest Theravada texts and includes the story of the “Blind Men and the
Elephant.”

Question 6

Bodhi Vamsa

Answer 6

It is a prose poem written in the 10th century AD by Upatissa in Pali, Sri Lanka.

Question 7

Visuddhimagga

Answer 7

It is a Theravada text written by Buddhaghosa in the 5th century AD in Sri Lanka. It
includes discussions on various teachings of the Buddha.