The Buddhist scriptures in
Pali Language are commonly referred to as Tipitaka, literally meaning Threefold Basket of Law. The three Baskets of the law are Vinaya-Pitaka, Sutta-Pitaka, and Abhidhamma-Pitaka.
The Vinaya pitaka deals with the rules and regulation which Lord
Buddha preached for the future discipline of the order of monks and nuns. The Satta Pitaka consists chiefly of discourses - both small and long - delivered on various occasions by Buddha. The Abhidhanma Pitaka contains the profound philosophy and interpretations of the Buddha’s teachings.
The Pali canon is further divided into nine parts on the basis of the matter they contain, which are Sutta Nikaya (Sermons in prose), Geyya Nikaya (Sermons in prose and verse), Veyyadkarana (commentary), Gatha (stories, psalms), Udana (Pithy Sayings), It-Vuttaka ("Thus-said " short speeches of Buddha), Jataka (Birth Stories), Abbhutadhamma (stories of miracles) and Vedalla (Teachings in the form of questions/answers).
