Which of the following statement(s) is/are correct? [CDS 2014 (II)] 1. Early Buddhist literature is generally composed of the canonical text. 2. The Buddhist schools classify their canonical literature as only the Pitakas. Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
A. Only 1
B. Only 2
C. Both 1 and 2
D. Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: Neither 1 nor 2
Option d is the correct answer.
Statement 1 is incorrect: Early Buddhist literature is not limited to the canonical texts, but also includes noncanonical texts that are not considered authoritative or binding by all Buddhist schools.
Statement 2 is incorrect: Not all Buddhist schools classify their canonical literature as only the Pitakas. Some schools use other classifications, such as the Angas or the Agamas.
Important Tips
The Angas are a classification used by some early Buddhist schools, such as the Sthaviras and the Mahasanghikas, who divided their canon into 9 or 12 limbs or categories.
The Pitakas are a classification used by the Theravada school and some other early Buddhist schools, such as the Vibhajyavadins and the Mahisasakas, who divided their canon into three baskets or sections