The Pali Canon

 Candidates should be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:  
• the Pali Canon; 
• the importance of the tripitaka; 
• the division of the text into the sutta pitaka,  vinaya pitaka and abhidhamma pitaka. 

• Contents were passed down orally and then collected in book form
• Considered most Ancient collection of books
• Theravadan Monks view the Pali Canon as holy Scriptures

Vinaya Pitaka

• SuttaVibhanga (227 Rules with 8 classes of offensives)
• Khandhaka (contains Governing rules for the Sangha)
• Summary

Used for laying down regulations of the Sangha

• Rules by Buddha can be used to interpret his lifestyle
• There are four rules which lead to expulsion: Sexual misconduct, Theft, murder, Falsely claiming supernatural powers

Sutta Pitaka (discourses)

• Most important part of the Pali Canon as it gives guidance  for day to day life, meditation, behavious and Dukkha
• Divided into 5 sections and contains sermons, discussions and sayings of the Buddha
• For example, The Jataka tales include Buddhas Past Lives
• The Dhammapada is also very popular as a devotional aid

Adhidharma Pitaki (Buddhist Psycholgy)

• Concerned with Buddhist views on the nature of reality
• Explores philosophical and psychological ideas
• Literally translated to 'Higher teachings#
• Adhidharma deals with the Buddhist thought about the nature of the dharma and the phenomenal make up of the world
• Does not come directly from the Buddha, but Buddhists scholars
• Provides a defence for Buddhist-world view
• Underpins much of Buddhist teachings

How is the Pali Canon used?

Ordinary lay buddhists will probably never actually read the entire canonical material but rely on higher monks to pass down teachings instead

Monks are expects to recite the 227 rules every fortnight

Sometimes Theravadan Buddhists recite parts of the Pali Canon such as the story of the Buddha's Life