Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation
Which of the following statement(s) is/are correct? 1. Early Buddhist literature is generally composed of the canonical text. 2. The Buddhist schools classify their canonical literature as only the Pitakas. Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
Solution & Analysis
Answer: D
Concept
Buddhist literature is a vast collection of both internal canonical scriptures and external commentaries, chronicles, and philosophical treatises.Explanation
Early Buddhist literature includes not just the Tripitakas but also non-canonical works like the *Milindapanha*, the *Dipavamsa*, and the *Mahavamsa*. Furthermore, different schools used different classification systems, such as the nine or twelve Angas (limbs) used by early sects like the Mahasanghikas.Logical Breakup
Logic 1: Statement 1 is incorrect. While the 'core' is canonical, the body of early literature is diverse and includes historical chronicles that are technically non-canonical.
Logic 2: Statement 2 is incorrect. While the Theravada school uses the 'Three Pitakas', other schools used different categories or even expanded the baskets.