The Pali Canon: What a Buddhist Must Know

The book is structured as a systematic introduction to the Pali Canon and its place in Buddhist life. It begins by distinguishing Buddhism from speculative philosophy and clarifying that the Buddha’s word—the Dhamma and Vinaya—is the essence of Buddhism. Part One explains the significance of the Pali Canon in relation to the Triple Gem, the Four Assemblies, the three true doctrines of pariyatti, paṭipatti, and paṭivedha, and the Threefold Training of morality, concentration, and wisdom. It then discusses saṅgāyana, the communal rehearsal of the Buddha’s word, explaining the First Rehearsal, the rise of Theravāda Buddhism, the formation of the Tipiṭaka, the accuracy of oral preservation, the transition to written transmission, and the Sixth Rehearsal. Part Two presents the relevance of the Canon in the modern world, especially for resolving mental, social, and environmental problems. It also outlines the classification of the scriptures, summarizing the 45-volume arrangement of the Vinayapiṭaka, Suttantapiṭaka, and Abhidhammapiṭaka, followed by information on commentaries, later scriptures, and concluding reflections on why the preservation and study of the Canon remain essential for the survival of authentic Buddhism.