Encyclopedia of India–China Cultural Contacts v2.c10.s1.t7.2

v2.c10.s1.t7.2

Classic Buddhist texts consist of three parts, that is, *Sutra Pitaka*, *Vinaya Pitaka* and *Abhidharma Pitaka*, collectively called as Tripitaka. Each part contains literary contents. A sutra contains direct teachings and sayings of the Buddha, but actually many later works are intermingled in it. Despite a purpose to preach Buddhist teachings, it still includes many literary tales. For example, the *Mahaparinibbana Sutta* contains many fables, tales, myths and legends. A vinaya describes the disciplines to be observed by Buddhists. It may be quite literary and contain beautiful tales, fables, myths and legends, so as to facilitate followers to understand, memorise and implement, such as *Dharmaguptavinaya*, *Hahisasakavinaya* and *Sarvastivadavinaya*. Abhidharma Pitaka also contains considerable literary contents. For example, the *Mahaprajnaparamita-sastra*, compiled by Nagarjuna and known as “the King of Abhidharma Pitakas”, tells many stories. India has a colossal number of Buddhist texts which contain an amazing amount of literary pieces. So, these Buddhist texts are a treasure of ancient Indian literature, world literature and human wisdom.