The Buddhist Religion: A Historical Introduction

An Overview

of the

Buddhist Scriptures

A. The Pali Canon: The Tipi{aka ("Three Baskets")

I. Vinaya-pi[aka ("Basket ofDiscipline")

1. Sutta-vibhanga ("Analysis of the Text")-the rules of the
   Patimokkha codes with explanations and commentary.
   a. Mahavibhanga ("Great Analysis")-the 227 rules for monks.
   b. Bhikkhu1Ji-vibhanga ("Nuns' Analysis")-the 310 rules for
   nuns.


2. Khandhaka ("Groupings")
   a. Mahiivagga ("Great Chapter")-rules for ordination, Obser-
   vance Day, rainy-season retreat, clothing, food, medicine, and
   procedures of the Sangha.
   b. Cullavagga ("Lesser Chapter")-judicial procedures, miscella-
   neous rules, ordination and instruction of nuns, history of the

First and Second Councils ..

3. Parivifra ("Appendix")-summaries and classifications of the rules ..
   This is a late supplement.
   II. Sutta-pitaka ("Basket ofDiscourses")


4. Digha-nikaya ("Collection of Long Discourses")-34 suttas.


5. Majjhima-nikaya ("Collection of Medium Discourses")-152
   suttas.


6. Sa1J1yutta-nikaya ("Collection of Connected Discourses")-56
   groups of suttas.

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