Buddhist Sacred Texts
Explore the rich textual traditions of Buddhism across different schools and traditions
Buddhist Canons
Tripitaka (Pali Canon)
The earliest complete collection of Buddhist texts, preserved in the Pali language.
Key Features:
- Three main collections (pitakas)
- Original Pali text
- Verse and prose sections
- Comprehensive commentaries
Available Languages:
Study Resources:
Translations
- Wisdom Publications Edition
- Access to Insight Translations
- Digital Pali Reader
Commentaries
- Traditional Commentaries (Atthakatha)
- Modern Academic Commentaries
- Study Guides
Study Guides
- Introduction to Pali
- Buddhist Dictionary
- Topical Guide
Chinese Buddhist Canon
The most complete collection of Mahayana Buddhist texts, including translations from Sanskrit and original Chinese compositions.
Key Features:
- Multiple recensions
- Extensive commentaries
- Historical development
- Digital preservation
Available Languages:
Study Resources:
Translations
- BDK English Tripitaka
- CBETA Digital Edition
- SAT Daizōkyō Text Database
Commentaries
- Traditional Chinese Commentaries
- Modern Academic Studies
- Digital Resources
Study Guides
- Buddhist Chinese
- Digital Dictionary
- Research Tools
Tibetan Buddhist Canon
The complete collection of Buddhist texts preserved in Tibet, including both translations and indigenous compositions.
Key Features:
- Kangyur and Tengyur collections
- Tantric texts
- Philosophical treatises
- Practice manuals
Available Languages:
Study Resources:
Translations
- 84000 Translations
- Lotsawa House
- Buddhist Digital Resource Center
Commentaries
- Traditional Commentaries
- Modern Translations
- Academic Studies
Study Guides
- Classical Tibetan
- Buddhist Philosophy
- Practice Guides
Textual Categories
Vinaya Pitaka
Collection of texts concerning rules and regulations for monastic life.
Suttavibhanga
Detailed analysis of monastic rules
Khandhaka
Procedures for monastic ceremonies and duties
Parivara
Summary and analysis of Vinaya rules
Sutta Pitaka
Collection of discourses attributed to the Buddha and his close disciples.
Digha Nikaya
Collection of long discourses
Majjhima Nikaya
Collection of middle-length discourses
Samyutta Nikaya
Connected discourses on specific themes
Abhidhamma Pitaka
Systematic analysis of Buddhist doctrine and philosophy.
Dhammasangani
Classification of mental states
Vibhanga
Analysis of key Buddhist concepts
Patthana
Study of causal relations
Additional Study Resources
- Buddhist Digital Archives - Comprehensive collection of Buddhist texts and manuscripts.
- Digital Dictionary of Buddhism - Extensive reference work for Buddhist terminology.
- Buddhist Studies Information Gateway - Academic resources and research tools.
Study Guidelines
- Begin with introductory texts and reliable translations
- Study with qualified teachers when possible
- Learn the historical and cultural context
- Practice meditation alongside textual study
- Engage with living traditions and communities