The Pali Canon is the main scripture collection of Theravāda Buddhism. It is written in the Pali language. But many people wonder if Mahayana Buddhism also uses the Pali Canon. This article explains this question in a clear and simple way. We will explore what the Pali Canon is, how Mahayana Buddhism developed, and how the two are connected. We will also look at other scriptures that Mahayana Buddhism uses.
What Is the Pali Canon?
The Three Baskets (Tipitaka)
The Pali Canon is also called the Tipitaka, which means “three baskets.” It is divided into three main sections:
- Vinaya Pitaka – rules for monks and nuns
- Sutta Pitaka – teachings of the Buddha
- Abhidhamma Pitaka – philosophical and psychological analysis
This collection is very old. It was passed down orally for hundreds of years before it was written down. Theravāda Buddhists believe it contains the original words of the Buddha.
Language of the Pali Canon
The Canon is written in Pali, an ancient Indian language. It is similar to the language the Buddha spoke, but not exactly the same. The Pali language helps preserve the teachings in a fixed form.
Mahayana Buddhism: An Overview
How Mahayana Buddhism Originated
Mahayana Buddhism began several hundred years after the Buddha passed away. It developed in India as a response to the needs of laypeople and new ideas about compassion and wisdom. If you want to learn more about the mahayana buddhism origin, you can read further in the link.
Mahayana vs. Theravāda
Theravāda focuses more on personal enlightenment, while Mahayana emphasizes helping all beings reach enlightenment. Mahayana developed many new scriptures and ideas that are not found in the Pali Canon. Mahayana also spread to China, Korea, Japan, and Tibet, where it developed further into different schools.
Mahayana Scriptures
Mahayana Buddhists use texts written in Sanskrit and other local languages. Some well-known Mahayana sutras are:
- The Lotus Sutra
- The Heart Sutra
- The Diamond Sutra
- The Avatamsaka Sutra
These texts often include more symbolic language and philosophical ideas than the Pali Canon.
Does Mahayana Buddhism Use the Pali Canon?
The Short Answer
No, Mahayana Buddhism does not rely on the Pali Canon as its main scripture. However, it respects the teachings in it. Some Mahayana Buddhists study parts of the Pali Canon, especially the Sutta Pitaka, for historical understanding or meditation practices.
Why Mahayana Does Not Use the Full Pali Canon
Mahayana Buddhism developed its own body of texts. These texts are sometimes called the Mahayana Tripitaka. They include many sutras that are not found in the Pali Canon. Mahayana followers believe these sutras are also the word of the Buddha, spoken at different times or to different audiences.
Respect for the Pali Canon
Even though Mahayana Buddhists do not use the Pali Canon in full, they do not reject it. Some teachers quote from it. It is seen as an early and important record of the Buddha’s teachings. But it is not the central text in Mahayana practice.
The Mahayana Canon: What It Includes
Main Components
The Mahayana canon is large and diverse. It includes:
- Sutras – teachings of the Buddha, such as the Lotus Sutra
- Shastras – commentaries by great teachers
- Tantras – texts used in Vajrayana Buddhism (a part of Mahayana)
Languages Used
Unlike the Pali Canon, Mahayana texts were mostly written in Sanskrit. Later, they were translated into Chinese, Tibetan, Japanese, and other languages. This helped spread Mahayana ideas across Asia.
Examples of Differences in Teachings
Compassion (Karuna)
Theravāda focuses on individual liberation, but Mahayana emphasizes compassion for all beings. The Bodhisattva ideal is central. A Bodhisattva delays their own enlightenment to help others.
Emptiness (Śūnyatā)
Mahayana teachings often focus on the idea of emptiness. This is explained deeply in the Heart Sutra and other texts. It means that all things lack fixed essence. The Pali Canon teaches a similar idea called anattā (no-self), but the style and focus are different.
Do Mahayana Monks Study the Pali Canon?
In Modern Times
Some Mahayana monks and scholars study the Pali Canon for historical and comparative study. This is common in academic settings or international Buddhist dialogue. But in daily practice, Mahayana temples usually follow their own sutras.
Shared Practices
Despite using different texts, Mahayana and Theravāda share many practices. These include:
- Meditation (samatha and vipassana)
- Observing the precepts
- Chanting and rituals
Some chants and verses from the Pali Canon are used in Mahayana as well, especially in Southeast Asian countries where both traditions meet.
Cross-Tradition Respect
Unity in Diversity
All schools of Buddhism honor the Buddha’s teachings. Though they use different texts, they aim at the same goal – liberation from suffering. The Pali Canon is seen as a valuable part of Buddhism’s heritage, even by Mahayana practitioners.
Modern Inter-Buddhist Dialogues
Today, many Buddhist conferences and institutions encourage dialogue between Mahayana and Theravāda. Scholars compare texts from the Pali Canon and Mahayana sutras to better understand the development of Buddhist thought.
Preservation and Translation
Pali Texts
The Pali Text Society and other groups have worked hard to preserve and translate the Pali Canon. This helps both Theravāda and Mahayana followers study the early words of the Buddha.
Mahayana Text Projects
Projects like the 84,000 Project and others are working to translate Mahayana texts into modern languages. These efforts support understanding across traditions.
Conclusion
Mahayana Buddhism does not use the Pali Canon as its main scripture. Instead, it relies on its own sutras and commentaries. However, the Pali Canon is respected for its historical and spiritual value. Some Mahayana monks and scholars study it, but it is not central in their daily practice. Understanding the differences and similarities between the two can help us appreciate the rich diversity in Buddhism.
In short, the Pali Canon is the foundation of Theravāda Buddhism. Mahayana Buddhism grew with new scriptures and ideas. Still, all Buddhist schools share a common root. By learning from all traditions, we can deepen our understanding and practice. This approach reflects the spirit of compassion and wisdom taught by the Buddha.
