For the three sects of Buddhism,
each have their scriptures. Mahayana Buddhism uses Theravada scriptures
and adds to them many sutras. Vajrayana uses Mahayana scriptures and adds
to them many tantric texts. Each contributed the following...
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Theravada
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Main scriptures: Tipitaka
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Popular: Dhammapada-
Sayings of Buddha
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Mahayana
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Main scriptures: Sutras (sacred texts)-
2184 sacred writings.
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Popular:
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Lotus Sutra-
A sermon by the Buddha on Bodhisattva, buddha-nature, etc.
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Perfection of
Wisdom Sutra (Prajna-paramita)- Describes emptiness and others.
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Popular: Heart
Sutra- Describes nirvana, emptiness, and Ultimate Reality.
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"Land of Bliss"
Sutra- Describes the Pure Land of Amitabha Buddha.
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Vajrayana
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Tantric texts and commentaries- Deals
mainly with Ultimate Reality as singular Unity, and the sexual union of
world (male) and cosmos (female).
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Popular:
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Great Stages of
Enlightenment- Deals with ethical behavior and control of mind.
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Tibetan Book of
the Dead- Deals with stages of dying, death, and rebirth.
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