Buddha’s teachings were compiled as Tripitaka — literally meaning three baskets to hold different types of texts. Which of the following texts is/are correctly matched according to the subject matter ?
- 1. Vinaya Pitaka : Buddha’s teachings
- 2. Sutta Pitaka : Rules and regulations of the monastic order
- 3. Abhidhamma Pitaka : Philosophical matters
Select the correct answer using the code given below :
3 only
1 and 2 only
2 and 3 only
1, 2 and 3
Answer is Wrong!
Answer is Right!
This question was previously asked in
UPSC CISF-AC-EXE – 2018
– Vinaya Pitaka: Contains the rules and regulations for the monastic order (Sangha).
– Sutta Pitaka: Contains the discourses or sermons delivered by the Buddha and sometimes his close disciples. This is where Buddha’s core teachings are compiled.
– Abhidhamma Pitaka: Contains philosophical, psychological, and metaphysical analysis and interpretation of the teachings found in the Sutta Pitaka.
– Let’s check the given matches:
– 1. Vinaya Pitaka : Buddha’s teachings. Incorrect. Buddha’s teachings (discourses) are in the Sutta Pitaka. Vinaya Pitaka is for monastic rules.
– 2. Sutta Pitaka : Rules and regulations of the monastic order. Incorrect. Rules and regulations are in the Vinaya Pitaka. Sutta Pitaka is for teachings/discourses.
– 3. Abhidhamma Pitaka : Philosophical matters. Correct. This pitaka deals with the higher philosophy and metaphysics of Buddhism.
– Therefore, only statement 3 is correctly matched.
– The three pitakas were compiled orally first and later written down centuries after the Buddha’s passing.