Buddhist sacred literature isn’t a single “holy book” but rather a rich library shaped by centuries of teaching, translation and devotion. Different branches treasure their own collections—yet they all point back to the Buddha’s original insights.

Theravādin Tradition
• Tipiṭaka (Pāli Canon): Often called the Tripiṭaka or “three baskets,” it’s the foundation.
– Vinaya Piṭaka: Monastic rules, guiding ethical discipline.
– Sutta Piṭaka: Discourses like the Dhammapada—short verses brimming with pithy wisdom—and longer collections (Majjhima and Saṃyutta Nikāyas).
– Abhidhamma Piṭaka: Philosophical analysis, a deep dive into mind and phenomena.

Mahayāna Scriptures
• Prajñāpāramitā Sutras: “Perfection of Wisdom” texts, including the Heart Sutra (“Form is emptiness…”) and Diamond Sutra, recited daily in many Zen centers.
• Lotus Sūtra: A crowd-pleaser emphasizing that everyone has Buddha-nature—a real spark that lights up Pure Land and Nichiren communities.
• Avataṃsaka (Flower Garland) Sūtra: A cosmic tapestry where every phenomenon reflects every other—like a hall of mirrors in miniature.
• Vimalakīrti Sūtra: Celebrates lay wisdom, turning monastic assumptions on their head.

Vajrayāna Texts
• Tibetan Kangyur (“Translated Word”) and Tengyur (“Translation of Treatises”): A mammoth 100-plus volume set—texts are still being digitized on platforms like SuttaCentral.
• Tantras: Guhyasamāja, Hevajra, Kālachakra and others, weaving ritual, mantra and visualization.
• Bardo Thodol (Tibetan Book of the Dead): Read at funerals and meditation retreats, offering guidance through the in-between states of life and death.

Regional Canons
• Chinese Buddhist Canon (Taishō Tripiṭaka): Over 100 volumes, blending Āgama Sutras (parallel to Pāli suttas), Mahāyāna sutras and commentaries.
• Japanese Traditions: Shōbōgenzō by Dōgen (Sōtō Zen), the platform teachings of Huìnéng in the Platform Sūtra, plus Pure Land chants like the Larger Amitābha Sūtra.

Today’s landscape sees smartphone apps streaming suttas in dozens of languages, while new translations spark lively debates on interpretation. Texts once confined to monastery shelves now sit in pockets worldwide—proof that these ancient guides remain as fresh as morning dew.