pali Cannon

Question 1

what is the pali cannon ?

Answer 1

The pali cannon refers to collection of ancient scriptures that hold authortiy, these scriptures are written in the ancient language ‘pali’

Question 2

what is another name for the pali cannon ?

Answer 2

Tipitaka

Question 3

what is meant by pitaka

Answer 3

basket

Question 4

why is the pali cannon refered to as the tipitaka

Answer 4

This is because the pali cannon was originally written upon leaves that were vowen together, these leaves were then vowen together and placed into one of three baskets based upon what was written on them

Question 5

what were the three baskets/ three aspects of the pali cannon

Answer 5

-vinaya pitaka

-sutta pitaka

-abhidharma pitaka

Question 6

what is the contents found in the vinaya pitaka

Answer 6

This part of the pali cannon is the disapline section. This section includes the pati-mokka which is the 227 rules for bikkhu’s and the 313 rules from bikkhunis. This was formed as the sangha initally developed, as monastics would face problems or disagreements they would go to the bBuddha and then knew rules were created.

Question 7

what is the contents found in the sutta pitaka

Answer 7

This section of the pali cannon contains teachings and stories from the Guatarma Buddha himself. Much of this section of the cannon contains phases such as “Thus I have heard” which indicates that it comes from someone who heard the buddha speak himself.
This part of the pali cannon contains things such as the eight fold path

Question 8

what is the contents of the Abhidharma

Answer 8

This section contains the philisophical teachings of Buddhisum. This part of Buddhist teachings is often refered to as ‘Higher Dharma’ as much of this ection is too complex and only the educated members of te sangha can properly understand it, unlike the lesser educated lay people.

Question 9

why is the Pali Cannon important ?

Answer 9

The pali cannon is important as it contains insight into teachings of the Buddha and can be used in worship or just simply for teachings in day to day life.

Question 10

What is one down side of the pali cannon

Answer 10

The pali cannon was written along time ago and many parts may not keep up with modern views upon homosexual relations and womens equality.