Prominent Early Buddhist Literary Works

Buddhism has a vast literature spanning many centuries and languages. Some of the earliest Buddhist texts provide great insights into the origins and development of Buddhist thought and history. Here we will explore key early Buddhist texts in Pali, Sanskrit, and other languages, their content, and their historical significance.

Jatakas – Birth Stories of the Buddha

The Jatakas are a collection of 547 poetic tales in Pali depicting previous incarnations and deeds of the Buddha. They are considered part of the Khuddaka Nikaya, one of the main textual divisions of the Pali Sutta Pitaka. The Jatakas have parallels to folklore and fables, and were likely compiled between the 3rd century BCE and 4th century CE. They provide insight into the Bodhisattva’s path to enlightenment.

Milinda Panha – Dialogues between King Menander and Monk Nagasena

The Milinda Panha records conversations in Pali verse between the Indo-Greek king Menander I and the Buddhist sage Nagasena, dating to around the 2nd century BCE. It touches on questions of doctrine, philosophy and practice, representing an early stage of Indian Buddhist thought. It is one of the few ancient Buddhist texts available only in a single Pali manuscript from Sri Lanka.

Dipavamsa – The Island Chronicle

The Dipavamsa, or “Chronicle of the Island,” is believed to be the oldest historical record of Sri Lanka, composed around the 3rd-4th century CE. Written in Pali verse, it documents the arrival of Buddhism and details Sri Lankan Buddhist history up to the reign of King Mahasena. It also discusses arrival of relics like the Bodhi tree in Sri Lanka and legends of the visits of Buddha himself.

Mahavamsa – The Great Chronicle

The Mahavamsa, meaning “Great Chronicle,” is an epic poem in Pali covering the early history of Buddhism in Sri Lanka and India. Beginning in the 3rd century CE and expanded over the centuries, it covers the lineages of Sinhalese kings along with tales of Buddhism’s spread. It has been profoundly influential in Sinhalese national identity and the modern ethnic conflict in Sri Lanka.

Other Notable Early Buddhist Literature

Many other early Buddhist texts shed light on the origins of Buddhist thought, doctrine, and monastic discipline. Key examples include the Mahavastu, Buddhacarita, Mahavibhasa Shastra, Lalitavistara Sutra, Divyavadana, Udanavarga, and more. They were composed in literary styles like epic poetry, drama, dialogue, and verse in Pali, Sanskrit, Prakrit, and Chinese.