Pali Literature
Pali Literature refers to the body of texts written in the Pali language, primarily associated with the Theravada school of Buddhism. It includes the Tipitaka, or "Three Baskets," which consists of the Vinaya Pitaka (monastic rules), Sutta Pitaka (discourses of the Buddha), and Abhidhamma Pitaka (philosophical and doctrinal analysis). These texts are foundational for understanding Buddhist teachings and practices.
The literature is significant not only for its religious content but also for its historical and cultural insights into ancient Indian society. Pali texts have been preserved through oral tradition and written manuscripts, influencing Buddhist thought and practice across countries like Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Myanmar.