BUDDHIST SCRIPTURESThe oral and written tradition

The Oral Tradition• Buddha’s lifetime – oral language

of Magadhi (Magadha)• Advice to Sangha - teach in the

language of the people• Sangha had to be proficient in

many languages• Recitations• Continuous stream of

teachers/students

The Oral tradition• Three months after the Buddha

died – The 1st Council• Rajagraha• Ven Upali/Ven Ananda• 100 years later – 2nd Council• Vinaya and Dhamma• Listening to chanting and

recitation = Pirit (gives protection to the scripture)

Chanting• Nichiren students in Japan chant

the title of the Lotus Sutra in Japanese – “Namu Myotto Renge Kyo” – “I seek refuge in the Lotus Sutra”

• Tibetan students chant – “Om Mani Padme Hum” – “Hail the jewel in the Lotus”

• In China, Pure Land Buddhists chant – “ namu Amida Butsu” (called the Nembutsu) – “Praise the Amida Buddha”

Oral Tradition continued• The 3rd Council – time of Asoka• Teaching again recited and agreed• Vinaya Pitaka and Sutta Pitaka as

before but now the Abhidhamma Pitaka added – discussions, analysis and explanations of the Buddha’s teachings