Notes and Study material for Exams
The Divergent Paths: Exploring the Early Buddhist Schools in India The Buddha’s teachings, born from his enlightenment under the Bodhi tree, were not a monolithic entity. Instead, they sparked a vibrant and diverse intellectual landscape, giving rise to numerous schools of thought within the nascent Buddhist tradition. These early Buddhist schools, flourishing in the centuries … Read more
The Dipavamsa: A Chronicle of Buddhism in Sri Lanka The Dipavamsa, meaning “The Island Chronicle,” is a Pali language chronicle that stands as a foundational text in the history of Buddhism in Sri Lanka. Composed in the 4th century CE, it narrates the arrival of Buddhism in the island nation, tracing its lineage back to … Read more
The Majjhima Nikaya: A Middle Path Through Buddhist Teachings The Majjhima Nikaya, one of the five Nikayas (collections) of the Sutta Pitaka (Discourse Basket) in the Pali Canon, stands as a cornerstone of Theravada Buddhism. This collection of 152 suttas (discourses) attributed to the Buddha himself offers a rich tapestry of teachings, exploring the core … Read more
Buddhist Literature Introduction Buddhism is a religion that originated in India over 2,500 years ago. It is based on the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama, who is also known as the Buddha. The Buddha taught that suffering is caused by attachment and that the way to end suffering is to follow the Eightfold Path. Buddhist literature … Read more
Unveiling the Mind: A Deep Dive into the Abhidhamma Pitaka The Abhidhamma Pitaka, the third and final basket of Buddhist scriptures, stands as a unique and profound exploration of the human mind and its intricate workings. While the Sutta Pitaka focuses on the Buddha’s teachings and the Vinaya Pitaka outlines monastic rules, the Abhidhamma Pitaka … Read more
Hinayana Buddhism: The Path of Self-Liberation Hinayana Buddhism, also known as Theravada Buddhism, is one of the oldest and most influential branches of Buddhism. It is characterized by its emphasis on individual liberation through self-discipline, meditation, and the study of the Buddha’s teachings. This article will delve into the core tenets of Hinayana Buddhism, exploring … Read more
The Enduring Legacy of Pali and Prakrit Literature: A Journey Through Ancient Indian Thought and Culture The rich tapestry of Indian literature is woven with threads of diverse languages, each carrying its own unique stories and perspectives. Among these, Pali and Prakrit stand out as crucial vehicles for transmitting ancient Indian wisdom, religious teachings, and … Read more