The Buddhist Texts (Encyclopaedia Of Buddhist World Series)

According to the scriptures a council was held shortly after the Buddha’s death to collect and preserve his teachings. It is traditionally believed by Theravadins that most of the Pali Canon was recited orally from this time, with only a few later additions. There are wide differences of opinion among scholars as to what extent the teachings may be traced to the historical Buddha himself. The climate of Theravada countries is not conducive to the survival of manuscripts. Apart from brief quotati