Pali Canon and its Use in Buddhism

• Pali canon


  The complete collection of scriptures followed by Theravada Buddhists.
• Tipitaka


  An alternate name for the Pali canon, meaning 'Three Baskets'.
• Vinaya Pitaka


  A section of the Pali canon that contains rules and guidelines for monks and nuns.
• Sutta Pitaka


  A section of the Pali canon that contains teachings and sermons given by the Buddha.
• Abhidhamma Pitaka


  A section of the Pali canon that contains teachings about dependent origination and other concepts related to mental phenomena.
• Dhammapada


  A section of the Pali canon consisting of 423 verses that provide guidance on the path to truth.
• Monastic community


  A group of monks and nuns who follow the rules and principles found in the Vinaya Pitaka.
• Ethical principles


  Guidelines followed by Buddhists based on the teachings found in the Pali canon.
• General ideas


  Concepts and teachings from the Pali canon that Buddhists may choose to follow.
• Verification through personal experience


  The Buddha's advice to verify his teachings through personal experience, which is considered important by some Buddhists.