Tiếng Việt
The Tipiṭaka: Three Baskets of Sacred Teachings in Theravāda Buddhism
In the Theravāda Buddhist tradition, the scriptures are collectively known as the Tipiṭaka (Pāli), which means “Three Baskets.” This is the foundational collection of canonical texts, preserving the entirety of the Buddha’s teachings as delivered to his disciples over 45 years of his ministry. The three baskets are:
1. Sutta Piṭaka – The Basket of Discourses
This section contains the Buddha’s teachings delivered to monks, kings, lay followers, and various beings.
Main contents:
- Practical teachings focusing on ethics, meditation, and wisdom.
- Includes a variety of formats: dialogues, short and long discourses, parables, and stories.
- Divided into five major Nikāyas:
- Dīgha Nikāya – The Long Discourses
- Majjhima Nikāya – The Middle-Length Discourses
- Saṃyutta Nikāya – The Connected Discourses (grouped by theme)
- Aṅguttara Nikāya – The Numerical Discourses (grouped by number)
- Khuddaka Nikāya – The Minor Collection (includes diverse texts such as the Dhammapada, Anattalakkhaṇa Sutta, etc.)
2. Vinaya Piṭaka – The Basket of Discipline
This collection sets out the monastic rules established by the Buddha for the harmonious functioning of the Sangha.
Main contents:
- Precepts for monks (Bhikkhus) and nuns (Bhikkhunīs).
- Guidelines on monastic lifestyle, conduct, and community interactions.
- Stories illustrating the origins of each rule.
- The aim is to support a life of harmony, purity, and liberation for renunciants.
3. Abhidhamma Piṭaka – The Basket of Higher Teaching
This section offers deep analysis of mind, phenomena, and reality from a Buddhist philosophical and psychological perspective.
Main contents:
- A systematic and refined presentation of phenomena (dhammas).
- Detailed analysis of mind (citta), mental factors (cetasika), material phenomena (rūpa), and Nibbāna.
- Forms the theoretical foundation for insight meditation (Vipassanā).
- A deeply intellectual section suited for practitioners with strong foundations.
Summary
The Tipiṭaka serves as a guiding light for those practicing the noble path.
- Sutta is the direct teaching.
- Vinaya is the ethical lifestyle.
- Abhidhamma is the wisdom of insight.
Together, they help practitioners deepen their path: maintaining precepts, cultivating concentration, and developing wisdom—leading ultimately to the cessation of suffering and attainment of liberation.
Comparison: Pāli Nikāyas and the Chinese Āgamas
While not detailed here, a comparative study between the Pāli Nikāyas and the Chinese Āgama collections reveals significant overlap and shared content. Such comparison helps illuminate the preservation of early Buddhist teachings across different traditions.
eBook Downloads
You can download the Vietnamese translations of the Nikāyas via the links below:
- Dīgha Nikāya – Long Discourses
- Majjhima Nikāya – Middle-Length Discourses
- Saṃyutta Nikāya – Connected Discourses
- Aṅguttara Nikāya – Numerical Discourses
- Khuddaka Nikāya – Minor Collection:
