Tripitaka (Pali Canon)

Earliest collection of Buddhist teachings in three parts.

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Vinaya Pitaka

Monastic rules for Buddhist communities.

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Sutta Pitaka

Discourses of the Buddha.

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Abhidhamma Pitaka

Analytical and philosophical teachings.

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Dhammapada

Verses of wisdom attributed to the Buddha.

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Jataka Tales

Stories of the Buddha’s past lives.

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Lotus Sutra

Mahayana scripture on the universality of Buddhahood.

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Heart Sutra

A concise summary of Mahayana wisdom teachings on emptiness.

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Diamond Sutra

Key text in Mahayana and Zen traditions emphasizing non-attachment.

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Avatamsaka Sutra

Huayan school text describing the interdependence of all phenomena.

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Vimalakirti Nirdesa Sutra

Mahayana dialogue on non-duality and lay wisdom.

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Lankavatara Sutra

Yogacara text on consciousness and Buddha-nature.

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Tibetan Book of the Dead

Guide to the afterlife and rebirth.

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Surangama Sutra

Emphasizes meditation and perception.

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Mahaparinirvana Sutra

Discusses the Buddha’s death and eternal nature.

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Platform Sutra of Huineng

Key Zen Buddhist scripture.

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Sutra of Forty-Two Sections

Early compilation of Buddha’s teachings in China.

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Bodhicaryavatara

Shantideva’s practical guide for compassion and wisdom.

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Udāna

Collection of inspirational verses spoken by the Buddha.

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Engaku-ji Documents

Zen Buddhist teachings from a major Japanese temple.

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Shobogenzo

Dogen’s key writings in Japanese Soto Zen.

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Record of Linji

Zen discourse of Chinese master Linji, foundational in Rinzai Zen.

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Sutra of Perfect Enlightenment

Scripture used in Korean and Chinese Zen traditions.

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Wonbulgyo Scriptures

Texts of the Korean modern Won Buddhist movement.

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