RLG100Y1 Lecture Notes - Lecture 27: Theravada, Mahayana, Upaya
Document Summary
Last class: 3 refuges of buddhism (3 jewels) Today: background on buddhist scripture, differences between one and another. Ashoka: the constantine of buddhism, brings groups of monks together, scripture finally compiled in sri lanka, scripture compiled in pali. Another name for the scripture then is the pali canon: propogated from sri lanka to southeast region, theravada buddhism rooted in. Scripture referred to by multiple names: tripitaka (three baskets) common to theravada, mahayana buddhism. Visualize three baskets with three different types of material contained within it. 1) sutra pitaka teachings of the buddha. Idea is that a sutra is a teaching that is central to buddhism. Rules for the monastic community to guide the functioning. Rules pertinent to the monks and the nuns. 3) abidharma pitaka about the dharma or about the teachings. This is the section in which you see a philosophical engagement with the core ideas of buddhism. When you talk about the concept of anatman, you deconstruct it.
