Consider the following about Abhidhamma Pitaka. 1. It is a scripture ...
- Gautama's three main disciples known as Upali, Ananda and Mahakashyap, remembered his teachings and passed them on to his followers.
- It is believed that soon after Buddha's death, a council was called at Raj agriha where Upali recited the Vinaya Pitaka (rules of the order), and Ananda recited the Sutta Pitaka (Buddha's sermons or doctrines and ethics).
- Sometime later, the Abhidhamma Pitaka consisting of the Buddhist philosophy came into existence.
- It is the last of the three pitakas constituting the Pali Canon, the scriptures of Theravada Buddhism.
- It is a detailed scholastic reworking of material appearing in the Suttas, according to schematic classifications. It contains summaries or enumerated lists and not systematic philosophical treatizes.
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Consider the following about Abhidhamma Pitaka. 1. It is a scripture ...
Abhidhamma Pitaka: A Scripture of Theravada Buddhism
The correct answer is option 'C' - 2 only. The Abhidhamma Pitaka is a scripture of Theravada Buddhism, not Mahayana Buddhism. It contains Buddhist philosophy and was not first compiled in Sanskrit and then translated to Prakrit. Let's delve into the details of the Abhidhamma Pitaka to understand why the correct answer is option 'C'.
1. Abhidhamma Pitaka: A Scripture of Theravada Buddhism
The Abhidhamma Pitaka is one of the three pitakas, or baskets, that make up the Tripitaka, the sacred scriptures of Theravada Buddhism. The Tripitaka is considered the earliest and most authoritative collection of Buddhist teachings and is highly revered by Theravada Buddhists. The Abhidhamma Pitaka specifically focuses on the analysis and interpretation of Buddhist philosophy and psychology.
2. Buddhist Philosophy in the Abhidhamma Pitaka
The Abhidhamma Pitaka is known for its comprehensive and systematic approach to understanding the nature of reality and the mind. It delves into intricate details of human psychology, consciousness, and the nature of existence. The Abhidhamma Pitaka is considered to be a profound and philosophical text, offering deep insights into the workings of the mind and the nature of existence.
3. Compilation and Language of the Abhidhamma Pitaka
The Abhidhamma Pitaka was not first compiled in Sanskrit and then translated to Prakrit. It is believed to have been composed in Pali, a language closely related to Sanskrit and commonly used in Theravada Buddhist texts. Pali was the language of the early Buddhist scriptures and is still used as the liturgical language in Theravada Buddhist traditions.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Abhidhamma Pitaka is a scripture of Theravada Buddhism, not Mahayana Buddhism. It contains Buddhist philosophy and was composed in Pali, not Sanskrit. Therefore, the correct answer is option 'C' - 2 only.