Abhidhamma Pitaka
Topic: Buddhism, Jainism and Heterodox Traditions · NCERT: Class 12, Ch 4 "Thinkers, Beliefs and Buildings"
Meaning
The Abhidhamma Pitaka is the third of the three "baskets" of the Tipitaka, the Buddhist canon in Pali. It deals with philosophical matters. It sorts and explains the Buddha's teachings in a careful, systematic way, especially ideas about mind and matter. Like the other baskets, it was first passed on by word of mouth and only later written down and arranged by subject.
Example
After the Buddha died (c. fifth–fourth century BCE), his teachings were compiled at a council of elders at Vesāli (Vaiśhālī, in present-day Bihar). They were divided into the Vinaya Pitaka (rules for the sangha), the Sutta Pitaka (the Buddha's teachings) and the Abhidhamma Pitaka (philosophy).
Don't confuse with
- Vinaya Pitaka: contains the rules for monks and nuns, not philosophy.
- Sutta Pitaka: holds the Buddha's teachings and sayings, and also the Therigāthā.
Related concepts
- Tipitaka
- Vinaya Pitaka
- Sutta Pitaka
- Abhidhamma Divas
- Pali
- Pali classical language
- Buddhist councils
- First Buddhist council
- Second Buddhist council
- Sthaviravada and Mahasanghika