Abstract
In this article I provide an overview of what scripture means and does in a Buddhist context. The article has three main parts. First, by way of introduction I explore the history of Buddhist scripture and a few of the different ways in which scripture was defined and classified in the early period. In the second section I use the common division into three ‘baskets’ of scripture (discourses, monastic discipline and higher teachings) to structure a closer look at some of the main genres of early Buddhist texts. Finally I examine the role of scripture in Buddhist life, as a source of teachings, a means of making karmic merit, and a vehicle of great power.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 573-582 |
Number of pages | 10 |
Journal | Expository Times |
Volume | 125 |
Issue number | 12 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2014 |
Keywords / Materials (for Non-textual outputs)
- Buddha
- Buddhism
- canon
- sacred text
- scripture