The Pali Canon
The sacred scriptures of Theravada Buddhism, containing the earliest recorded teachings of the Buddha and his disciples.
The Pali Canon, also known as the Tipitaka (Three Baskets), is the complete collection of the earliest Buddhist scriptures. It contains the teachings of the Buddha as preserved by the Theravada tradition.
Sutta Pitaka
The "Basket of Discourses" containing the Buddha's teachings and dialogues with disciples and others.
Vinaya Pitaka
The "Basket of Discipline" containing the rules and regulations for the monastic community.
Abhidhamma Pitaka
The "Basket of Higher Teaching" containing systematic analysis of consciousness and mental factors.
The Long Discourses (Digha Nikaya) contain 34 suttas, including some of the most important and comprehensive teachings of the Buddha.
Brahmajala Sutta
The "Net of Brahma" - discusses 62 wrong views and the Buddha's teaching on the nature of reality and liberation.
Mahaparinibbana Sutta
The "Great Discourse on the Final Nibbana" - describes the Buddha's last days, final teachings, and passing into Nibbana.
Sigalovada Sutta
The "Discourse to Sigala" - provides comprehensive guidance on ethical living for laypeople.
Vinaya Pitaka (Discipline)
Suttavibhanga
Analysis of the Patimokkha rules for monks and nuns, with stories about how each rule came to be established.
Khandhaka
Rules for the organization of the monastic community, including ordination, retreats, and community procedures.
Parivara
A summary and classification of the Vinaya rules for easy reference and study.
Abhidhamma Pitaka (Higher Teaching)
Dhammasangani
Enumeration and classification of all mental and physical phenomena (dhammas) into categories.
Vibhanga
Analysis of various topics including the five aggregates, sense bases, elements, and dependent origination.
Dhatukatha
Discussion of the relationship between the five aggregates, twelve sense bases, and eighteen elements.
Puggalapannatti
Description of different types of persons based on their spiritual development and characteristics.
Kathavatthu
Points of controversy - debates on various doctrinal issues that arose in the early Buddhist community.
Yamaka
Pairs of questions and answers testing understanding of various doctrinal concepts.
Patthana
Conditional relations - the most complex text, analyzing the 24 types of conditional relationships between phenomena.
Over 15,000 pages in English translation
Originally in Pali, now translated worldwide
Orally transmitted for 400+ years before writing
Theravada Buddhism's primary scripture
Begin Your Study of the Pali Canon
Explore the profound wisdom of the Buddha's teachings through these ancient texts. Start with the Dhammapada or a simple sutta and gradually deepen your understanding.