Hinduism and Buddhism: An Historical Sketch v1.c19.15

v1.c19.15

The canon is often known by the name of Tipiṭaka¹ or Three Baskets. When an excavation was made in ancient India it was the custom to pass up the earth in baskets along a line of workmen² and the metaphorical use of the word seems to be taken from this practice and to signify transmission by tradition.