What are the primary texts associated with Buddhism?

Study for the University of Central Florida REL2300 World Religions Exam with questions to test your knowledge. Engage with multiple choice and flashcards designed to enhance your understanding and readiness for the exam.

The primary texts associated with Buddhism are indeed the Pali Canon and the Mahayana Sutras. The Pali Canon, also known as the Tipitaka, is the earliest and most authoritative collection of scriptures in Theravada Buddhism. It includes teachings attributed to the Buddha and covers various aspects of his teachings, monastic rules, and philosophical discourses.

The Mahayana Sutras, on the other hand, represent a broader and later development in Buddhist scripture, which emerged within the Mahayana tradition. These texts introduce additional concepts such as the bodhisattva ideal and elaborate on the nature of the mind and enlightenment, expanding on the teachings found in the Pali Canon.

Other options—such as the Torah and Talmud, the Bible and Book of Mormon, and the Vedas and Upanishads—are foundational texts for Judaism, Christianity, and Hinduism, respectively. Each of these sets of texts pertains to its own religious tradition and does not have relevance to the teachings or practices of Buddhism.

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