These texts are known as the “Buddhist canon” and include the teachings of the historical Buddha, Siddhartha Gautama, and subsequent teachings and commentaries by other scholars and practitioners.
The Buddhist canon is vast and includes many different texts, but some of the most well-known and widely studied include:
The Pali Buddhist Canon
This is a collection of scriptures written in the Pali language, believed to be the closest to the language the Buddha spoke. It is considered the most complete and accurate record of the Buddha’s teachings and is widely studied in Theravada Buddhism.
The Tibetan Buddhist Canon
This is a collection of scriptures and texts written in Tibetan, the primary language of Tibetan Buddhism. It includes many of the same texts as the Pali Canon and additional teachings and commentaries.
The Chinese Buddhist Canon
This is a collection of scriptures and texts written in Chinese, the primary language of Chinese Buddhism. It includes many of the same texts as the Pali and Tibetan Canons and additional teachings and commentaries.
In addition to these canons, many other texts are considered sacred within Buddhism, such as the Lotus Sutra, the Diamond Sutra, and the Heart Sutra. These texts are revered for their teachings on the nature of reality and the path to enlightenment and are widely studied and practiced within the tradition.
