Explanation:

Buddhism

The early Buddhist literature is divided into canonical and non-canonical texts:

1.  Canonical texts: are believed to be the actual words of the Buddha. Canonical texts are books which lay down the basic tenets and principles of Buddhism such as the Tipitakas.

The Tipitakas (Canonical Texts)

The earliest compilation of Buddhist teachings which were written on long, narrow leaves is “The Tipitakas” (in Pali) and “Tripitaka” (in Sanskrit). All the branches of Buddhism have the Tripitakas (also called three baskets/collections) as part of their core scriptures, which comprise three books –

1. The Sutta Pitaka (Basket of Discourses) – these texts are also known as Buddha Vacana or the word of the Buddha. It contains Buddha’s discourse on various doctrinal issues in dialogue form.
2. The Vinaya Pitaka (Discipline Basket) – this contains rules for monks and nuns of the monastic order (Sangha). It includes the Patimokka – a list of transgressions against monastic discipline and atonements for these. The Vinaya text also includes doctrinal expositions, ritual texts, biographical stories and some elements of Jatakas or “birth stories”.
3. The Abhidhamma Pitaka (Basket of Higher Teachings) – this contains a thorough study and systematisation of the teachings of the Sutta Pitaka through summaries, questions and answers, lists, etc.

2.  Non-canonical texts or semi-canonical texts: these are commentaries and observations on canonical texts, quotes, definitions, historical information, grammars and other writings in Pali, Tibetian, Chinese and other East Asian languages. Some important ones are:

• Mahavastu (written in Sanskrit-Prakrit mixed) – it is about the sacred biography, i.e hagiography of the Buddha.
• Nidanakatha – first connected life story of Buddha.
• The Dipavamsa & the Mahavamsa (both in Pali) – both give historical and mythical accounts of the Buddha’s life, Buddhist Councils, Asoka and the arrival of Buddhism to Sri Lanka.
• Visuddhimagga (the path to purification written by Buddhaghosa) – deals with the development from the purity of discipline to enlightenment (Nibbana).
• Milindapanho (in Pali) – consists of a dialogue between the Indo-Greek king Milinda/Menander and the monk Nagasena on various philosophical issues.
• Nettipakarana (The book of guidance) – which gives a connected account of the Buddha’s teachings.