Significance of Petakopadesa

Petakopadesa is a significant text attributed to Mahakatyayana, compiling Buddha's teachings recognized in various traditions as either canonical or extra-canonical. In the Theravada tradition, it is identified as one of two small works with eight chapters, distinguishing it from other texts in the Tipitaka. This highlights the uniqueness and importance of Petakopadesa in both Mahayana and Theravada Buddhist teachings, emphasizing its role in the broader understanding of Buddhist scriptures.

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Buddhist concept of 'Petakopadesa'

Buddhism Books

Petakopadesa, attributed to Mahakatyayana, compiles Buddha's teachings across traditions, distinguishing itself within the Tipitaka as a significant work of eight chapters, recognized for its canonical and extra-canonical insights.

Significance in Mahayana (major branch of Buddhism):
Mahayana Books

From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra

(1) The Petakopadesa is a notable work attributed to Mahakatyayana, which compiles teachings of the Buddha, recognized in different traditions as either canonical or extra-canonical.[1]

Mahayana is a major branch of Buddhism focusing on the path of a Bodhisattva (spiritual aspirants/ enlightened beings). Extant literature is vast and primarely composed in the Sanskrit language. There are many sutras of which some of the earliest are the various Prajnaparamita sutras.

Significance in Theravada (major branch of Buddhism):
Theravada Books

From: Guide to Tipitaka

(1) The second of the two small works, consisting of eight chapters, and is also differentiated from other works in the Tipitaka.[2]

Theravada is a major branch of Buddhism having the the Pali canon (tipitaka) as their canonical literature, which includes the vinaya-pitaka (monastic rules), the sutta-pitaka (Buddhist sermons) and the abhidhamma-pitaka (philosophy and psychology).