What are the sacred scriptures of Buddhism?

The sacred scriptures of Buddhism encompass various texts, and each of the options listed plays a significant role in different Buddhist traditions. The Tripitaka, also known as the Pali Canon, is one of the earliest and most authoritative collections of Buddhist scriptures, particularly in Theravada Buddhism. It consists of three "baskets" of teachings: the Vinaya Pitaka (rules for monastic discipline), the Sutta Pitaka (discourses of the Buddha), and the Abhidhamma Pitaka (philosophical and doctrinal analyses).

The Mahayana Sutras are additional scriptures that are revered in Mahayana Buddhism, which is a major branch of Buddhism. These texts, such as the Lotus Sutra and the Heart Sutra, expand and interpret the teachings of the Buddha, often emphasizing concepts like compassion and the potential for all beings to attain enlightenment.

The Tibetan Book of the Dead, or Bardo Thodol, holds significance in Tibetan Buddhism. This text is specifically focused on the process of dying and the afterlife, providing guidance on navigating the intermediate state between death and rebirth.

Given that each of these sets of teachings contributes to the overall understanding of Buddhist doctrine and practice across different traditions, recognizing that all of them are considered sacred within