Tripiṭaka Visualization Project

This project offers an interactive visualization and educational guide to the Tripiṭaka (Three Baskets), the traditional collection of Buddhist scriptures.

Overview

The Tripiṭaka (also spelled Tipiṭaka) is the traditional term for the Buddhist scriptures, especially in Theravāda Buddhism. The word means "Three Baskets" in Pali and Sanskrit, referring to the three main divisions of these canonical texts:

1. Vinaya Piṭaka – the Basket of Discipline

Contains rules and procedures for monastic life.

Includes guidelines for monks and nuns, stories behind the rules, and the structure of the monastic community (Saṅgha).

Major divisions:

• Suttavibhaṅga (analysis of the rules)
• Khandhaka (additional rules and procedures)
• Parivāra (summary and analysis)

2. Sutta Piṭaka – the Basket of Discourses

Contains the teachings and sermons of the Buddha.

Includes famous collections like the Dhammapada, Majjhima Nikāya, and Saṃyutta Nikāya.

It's the largest section and central to Buddhist philosophy and ethics.

The five collections (Nikāyas):

• Dīgha Nikāya (Long Discourses)
• Majjhima Nikāya (Middle-Length Discourses)
• Saṃyutta Nikāya (Connected Discourses)
• Aṅguttara Nikāya (Numerical Discourses)
• Khuddaka Nikāya (Minor Collection)

3. Abhidhamma Piṭaka – the Basket of Higher Teachings

Offers a more systematic and philosophical analysis of the teachings found in the Sutta Piṭaka.

Focuses on the nature of mind, consciousness, and phenomena.

Seven books:

• Dhammasaṅgaṇī (Enumeration of Phenomena)
• Vibhaṅga (The Book of Analysis)
• Dhātukathā (Discussion of Elements)
• Puggalapaññatti (Description of Individuals)
• Kathāvatthu (Points of Controversy)
• Yamaka (The Book of Pairs)
• Paṭṭhāna (The Book of Conditional Relations)

Historical Context

The Tripiṭaka was originally passed down orally and later written down in the Pali language (for Theravāda tradition) around the 1st century BCE in Sri Lanka. In Mahayana Buddhism, a different but related canon exists, often in Sanskrit, Chinese, and Tibetan translations, with additional texts not found in the Theravāda canon.

The Tripiṭaka serves as the foundation for Buddhist doctrine, practice, and monastic life across various Buddhist traditions, though with variations in content and interpretation.

Project Features

• Interactive visualization of the Three Baskets
• Detailed descriptions of each basket's contents and significance
• Historical timeline of the Tripiṭaka's transmission
• Comparison of different Buddhist canonical traditions
• Responsive design for various screen sizes

Technical Implementation

This project uses:

• HTML5, CSS3, and JavaScript
• D3.js for data visualization
• Responsive design principles
• Accessibility features

Getting Started

1. Clone this repository
2. Open index.html in a web browser
3. Explore the visualization and content

License

This project is available under the MIT License.

References

• Access to Insight: https://www.accesstoinsight.org/
• SuttaCentral: https://suttacentral.net/
• BuddhaNet: https://www.buddhanet.net/