Buddhism Sources of Wisdom

Pali Canon

Life of Buddha

Mahayana and Theravada Buddhists

Bodhisattvas (Mahayana)

Tipitaka (Theravada)

Vinaya Pitaka
(Philosophical section)

Sutta Pitaka
(Sayings of the Buddha section)

Abhidhamma Pitaka
(Philosophical Section)

Holy Texts

Lotus Sutra

Means higher teaching

Includes the Parable of the Burning House
in chapter 3

Consists of a series of lectures by Shakyamuni Buddha

Sutta means 'teaching' and contains more than 10,000 teachings of the Buddha and early Buddhist monks

Contains the rules for monks (Bikkhus)
and nuns (Bhikkhunis)

Explains the nature of karma and the 4 Noble Truths

Contains sermons from the Buddha
Contains biographical information about Gautama Buddha

A bodhisattva is so compassionate that they delay their own entry into Nirvana to save others

The 'code of conduct' for monastics is called the Pattimokkha

227 rules for monks
311 rules for nuns

Also contains commentaries which explain the rules

Includes early Buddhist poetry

List of ethics for monks

Explains key teachings about the nature
of the human such as the 5 aggregates

Highlights the views of Mahayana Buddhist views on the Buddha as 'skilful means' - doesn't always give all/ true information but always to help us

Work tirelessly over many lifetimes to lead others
is Nirvana and vow to eventually become a Buddha. They do this by becoming a 'good friend' to all beings and helping them overcome dukkha in practical ways

MB's are governed by total compassion for the sukkah of all beings in Samsara. Selfless love

Bodies of the Buddha - The Trikaya

Nirmanakaya (earthly)

Sambhagakaya (heavenly)

Dharmakaya (transcendent)

The earthly, physical body of the Buddha. The body that was mortal, susceptible to dukkha and annica and like the body of any other human

This is understood to be 'ultimate truth' and that the person of the Buddha becomes this wider concept of all the teachings of Buddhism

The Buddha's 'heavenly body' that is located in a splendid paradise. He exists in a blissful realm outside of Samsara

This view of the Buddha makes him still accessible for Mahayana Buddhists