Buddhist scriptures are not contained within a single holy book, instead the teachings of Buddha are compiled into the "Tripitaka," which is a Sanskrit term meaning "Three Baskets." In Chinese, this compilation of ancient Indian sacred writings is called "San Zang," meaning "Three Storehouses."
The Tripitaka, along with the monastic rules or the "Ten Precepts," developed within the branch of Buddhism called Theravada, meaning "Traditions of the Elders." The Tripitaka was divided into three sections, namely the "Sutra Pitaka" or the teachings of Dharma by Buddha; the "Vinaya Pitaka" or the rules of proper behavior for the monastic order and laymen; and the "Abhidharma Pitaka" or the principles of Buddha's teachings.
