[Solved] The Majjhima Nikaya: Language and Importance

The Buddhist text 'Majjhima Nikaya' is in

[CAPF 2018]

Detailed Solution & Historical Context

Concept

The Pali Canon (Tipitaka) is the earliest collection of the Buddha's teachings, preserved by the Theravada tradition in the Pali language.

Authentic Source Evidence

The Majjhima Nikaya (Middle Length Discourses) is the second of five collections in the Sutta Pitaka. It is written entirely in Pali.

Analytical Breakdown

Option B is Correct: Pali was the liturgical and literary language of early Buddhism in India and Sri Lanka.

Context: The Majjhima Nikaya consists of 152 discourses (sutras) attributed to the Buddha, covering ethics, meditation, and philosophy.

Conceptual Deep Dive & Logic

"What does the 'Middle Length' in Majjhima Nikaya refer to?"

It refers to the length of the individual discourses, which are shorter than the Digha Nikaya but longer than others.

Examiner's Mindset & Pro-Tip

"The use of Pali signaled Buddhism’s departure from the Sanskrit-centric Vedic tradition toward a more populist linguistic medium."

Topic Clusters (click to see related topic questions)

Sutta Pitaka 4 Pali Language 2 Theravada 5

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