‘Sutta Pitaka’ is divided into how many Nikayas? Mention their names.

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Points to Remember:

  • The Sutta Pitaka is one of the three main divisions of the Pali Canon, the Theravada Buddhist scriptures.
  • It is primarily concerned with the teachings of the Buddha.
  • It is divided into five Nikayas (collections).

Introduction:

The Sutta Pitaka, meaning “Basket of Discourses,” is a vast collection of Buddhist scriptures containing sermons, dialogues, and narratives attributed to the Buddha and his disciples. It forms the largest part of the Pali Canon, the authoritative collection of Theravada Buddhist texts. Understanding its structure, particularly its division into Nikayas, is crucial for comprehending the breadth and depth of early Buddhist teachings. The Nikayas represent different categories or approaches to presenting the Buddha’s Dharma (teachings). This question requires a factual approach, focusing on accurately identifying the number and names of the Nikayas within the Sutta Pitaka.

Body:

The Five Nikayas of the Sutta Pitaka:

The Sutta Pitaka is divided into five Nikayas:

  1. DÄ«gha Nikāya (DN): This Nikaya contains 34 long discourses, often focusing on fundamental Buddhist doctrines and practices. These suttas are characterized by their length and comprehensive treatment of specific themes. Examples include the Brahmajāla Sutta (dealing with various philosophical views) and the Mahāparinibbāna Sutta (describing the Buddha’s death).

  2. Majjhima Nikāya (MN): This Nikaya comprises 152 middle-length discourses, offering a diverse range of teachings on various aspects of Buddhist practice and philosophy. The suttas here are shorter than those in the Dīgha Nikāya but longer than those in the Saṃyutta Nikāya.

  3. Saṃyutta Nikāya (SN): This Nikaya contains approximately 2,889 suttas grouped into thematic collections (saṃyutta). This systematic arrangement allows for a focused study of specific topics, such as the Buddha’s teachings on the aggregates (khandhas), sense bases (āyatanas), and dependent origination (pratÄ«tyasamutpāda).

  4. Aṅguttara Nikāya (AN): This Nikaya presents suttas arranged numerically, progressing from single items (ekaka) to eleven items (ekādaśaka). This numerical organization allows for a gradual and systematic understanding of Buddhist concepts.

  5. Khuddaka Nikāya (KN): Unlike the other four Nikayas, the Khuddaka Nikāya is a collection of shorter texts, including various genres such as poems, narratives, and lists of precepts. It is further subdivided into fifteen different collections, each with its own unique characteristics. This Nikaya is considered a supplementary collection, containing material not easily categorized within the other four.

Conclusion:

In summary, the Sutta Pitaka is divided into five Nikayas: DÄ«gha, Majjhima, Saṃyutta, Aṅguttara, and Khuddaka. Each Nikaya offers a unique perspective on the Buddha’s teachings, providing a rich and multifaceted understanding of Buddhist philosophy and practice. The different structures of these Nikayas—length, thematic grouping, numerical arrangement, and miscellaneous collections—reflect the diverse ways in which the Buddha’s Dharma was transmitted and preserved. Further study of these Nikayas is essential for a comprehensive grasp of early Buddhism. A deeper understanding of the Sutta Pitaka contributes to a more holistic appreciation of Buddhist thought and its enduring relevance in contemporary society.

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