Nikayas
The term "Nikayas" refers to a collection of scriptures in the Pali Canon, which is a key text in Theravada Buddhism. The Nikayas are divided into five main sections, known as the Tipitaka, and they contain the teachings of the Buddha as well as discourses by his disciples. These texts are essential for understanding the foundational principles of Buddhism.
Each Nikaya consists of various types of teachings, including sermons, dialogues, and verses. The most well-known Nikayas are the Digha Nikaya, which contains long discourses, and the Samyutta Nikaya, which groups teachings by themes. Together, they provide insights into the philosophy and practices of early Buddhism.