Sacred Scriptures
The Tripitaka
The Tripitaka (The Three Baskets) is recognized as a holy book in Mahayana Buddhism. It was compiled orally but was written down in the 3rd century B.C.E. It is made up of three part: Vinaya Pitaka (Discipline Baskets), Sutra Pitaka (Discourse Basket), and Abhidharma Pitaka (Special Teachings). The first basket (Vinaya Pitaka), contains the rules for monks. The second basket (Sutra Pitaka), is dedicated to all the teachings and sermons of the Buddha. And the final basket (Abhidharma Pitaka), contains poems and stories about Buddha and his past lives.
The Sutras
The Sutras are the sacred books of Mahayana Buddhism, compiled between the 2nd century B.C.E. The Lotus Sutra is very important to the Mahayana sect. It discusses that Buddhahood (enlightenment) can be achieved by anyone. The Lotus Sutra enabled lay people to practice Buddhism and established that not only those who chose a monastic path could achieve Nirvana.
"Buddhist Texts." Buddhist Texts. Web. 16 June 2015.
"Lotus Sutra." Lotus Sutra. Web. 16 June 2015.
"Lotus Sutra." Lotus Sutra. Web. 16 June 2015.