Download - BUDDHIST SCRIPTURES
BUDDHIST SCRIPTURESThe oral and written tradition
The Oral Tradition• Buddha’s lifetime – oral language
of Magadhi (Magadha)• Advice to Sangha - teach in the
language of the people• Sangha had to be proficient in
many languages• Recitations• Continuous stream of
teachers/students
The Oral tradition• Three months after the Buddha
died – The 1st Council• Rajagraha• Ven Upali/Ven Ananda• 100 years later – 2nd Council• Vinaya and Dhamma• Listening to chanting and
recitation = Pirit (gives protection to the scripture)
Chanting• Nichiren students in Japan chant
the title of the Lotus Sutra in Japanese – “Namu Myotto Renge Kyo” – “I seek refuge in the Lotus Sutra”
• Tibetan students chant – “Om Mani Padme Hum” – “Hail the jewel in the Lotus”
• In China, Pure Land Buddhists chant – “ namu Amida Butsu” (called the Nembutsu) – “Praise the Amida Buddha”
Oral Tradition continued• The 3rd Council – time of Asoka• Teaching again recited and agreed• Vinaya Pitaka and Sutta Pitaka as
before but now the Abhidhamma Pitaka added – discussions, analysis and explanations of the Buddha’s teachings