b.    Sutta Pitaka

The Sutta Pitaka conists mainly the instructive discourses delivered by the Buddha to both the Sangha and the laity on ht evarious occasions. A few discourses, expounded by disciples such as the Venerables Sariputta, Moggallana and Ananda are incorporated are accordingly as much veneration as the word of the Buddha himself, since they were approved by him. Most of the sermons were intended mainly for the benefit  of Bhikkhus, and they deal with the holy life and with the exposition of Doctrine. There are several other discourses which deals with both the material and the moral progress of his lay followers. The Sigalovada Sutta, for instance deals mainly with the duties of a layman. There are also a few interesting talks given to the children.

This Pitaka may be compared to a book of prescriptions, since the discoursed were expounded on diverse occasions to suit the temperaments of various persons, there may be seemingly contradictory statements, but they should not be misconstrued as they were uttered by the Buddha to suit a particular purpose , for instances to the self same question he would maintain silence when the inquirer was merely foolishly inquisitive, or give a detailed reply when he knew the inquirer to be an earnest seeker after the Truth.

The Sutta Pitaka consists of the following five Nikayas (Collections):-

The above five Nikayas are further sub-divided into fifteen books as follows :-

c.       Abhidhamma Pitaka

The Abhidhamma Pitaka is the most important and most interesting of the three containing as it does the profound philosophy of the Buddha’s teaching in contrast to the simpler discourses in the Sutta Pitaka. Abhidhamma, the Higher Doctrine of Buddha, expounds the quintessence of his profound teachings.

According to some scholars Abhidhamma is not a teaching of the Buddha, but a later elaboration of scholastic monks. Tradition, however, attributes the nucleus of the Abhidhamma to the Buddha Himself. The Matika  or Matrices of the Abhidhamma, such as Kusala Dhamma (whole some states), Akusala Dhamma (Unwholesome States), and Abyakata Dhamma (Indeterminate States), etc. which have been elaborated by Buddha.

To the wise truth seekers, Abhidhamma is an indispensable guide and an intellectual treat. Here is found food for thought to original thinkers and to earnest students who wish to develop wisdom and lead an ideal Buddhist Life. Abhidhamma is not a subject of fleeting interest designed for the superficial reader.

Modern Psychology, limited as it is, comes within the scope of Abhidhamma inasmuch as it deals with mind, thoughts thought processes and metal properties; but it does not admit of psyche or a soul. It teaches a psychology without a psyche.

Abhidhamma defines the Consciousness (Citta). The thoughts are analyzed and classified chiefly from an ethical standpoint. All mental properties (Cetasika) are enumerated. The composition of each type of consciousness is set forth in detail. How thoughts areise is minutely described. Bhavanga and Javana thought-moments, which are explained only in Abhidhamma, and which have no parallel in modern psychology, are of special interest to research students in psychology. Irrelevant problems that interest students and scholars have no relation to one’s Deliverances are deliberately set aside.

While the Sutta Pitaka contains the conventional teaching (vohara desana), the Abhidhamma Pitaka contains the ultimate teaching ( paramattha desana). Knowledge of Abhidhamma is essential to comprehend fully the Teachings of the Buddha, as it presents the key that opens the door of reality.

The Abhidhamma Pitaka is composed of the following seven works:-