With reference to the early Buddhist literature, consider the following statements:
1. Canonical texts are the books which lay down the basic tenets of a sect.
2. Non-canonical texts are commentaries and observations on canonical texts.

Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Question

With reference to the early Buddhist literature, consider the following statements:
1. Canonical texts are the books which lay down the basic tenets of a sect.
2. Non-canonical texts are commentaries and observations on canonical texts.

Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

ONLiNE UPSC · Accepted Answer

Statement 1 is correct: Canonical texts form the core scriptures of a religious tradition. In early Buddhist literature, the canonical texts include the Tripitaka (Vinaya Pitaka, Sutta Pitaka, and Abhidhamma Pitaka), which lay down the essential doctrines, rules, and teachings of Buddhism. They are considered authoritative.

Statement 2 is correct: Non-canonical texts include commentaries (Atthakatha), sub-commentaries, chronicles, and manuals written by later scholars and monks to explain, interpret, and elaborate upon the canonical texts. They help in understanding and contextualizing the basic tenets mentioned in the canonical texts.

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M Question 1	⏱ 0
With reference to the early Buddhist literature, consider the following statements: 1. Canonical texts are the books which lay down the basic tenets of a sect. 2. Non-canonical texts are commentaries and observations on canonical texts. Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2