In Theravada Buddhism, three collections of works are regarded as sacred scripture, collectively referred to as the "Three Baskets" (Tripitaka):
The 'discipline basket' is a collection of regulations that apply to the upper class.
The 'teaching basket' contains the Buddha's lectures.
Buddhist theology is contained in the 'metaphysical basket.'
Mahayana Buddhism's texts are far more extensive. The Mahayana 'canon' has no clearly defined boundaries.
Yaksha
The yaksha is a large group of nature spirits, most of whom are benign, who look after the natural treasures hidden in the earth and tree roots. Having been worshipped in India earlier in the Vedic period, both Buddhism and Jainism accepted their worship.
In Buddhism, the yaksha is thought to be governed by Kubera, the king of riches.
Expansion of Buddhism
Buddhism was introduced by Kumarajeeva in China. Vyayasinghava introduced it in Ceylon and in Tibet, Padmasambhava. Ashoka sent his son Mahendra, a monk, and daughter Sanghamitra, a nun, to Ceylon.
The disciples Mahadeva (Mahishamandala), Rakshita (Vanavasa), Dharmarakshita (Aparantaka), a yavana, and Mahadharmarakshita (Maharashtra) travelled to southern India to spread Buddhism.
Several other significant events in Buddhist history include:
Kanishka, the greatest of the Kushanas and the fourth Buddhist council's major benefactor, popularised Buddhism in central Asia.
In Nagaigunakonda, Acharya Nagarjuna founded the first Buddhist university, Sriparvata.
Nalanda a renowned Buddhist monastery was established by 'Kumaragupta'
Huen Tsang made Harshavardhan, the last great ruler, a Buddhist (Mahayana).
The Pala dynasty ruled Bengal and promoted Vajrayana Buddhism.
Dharmapala founded Vikramsila, Uddandapura, and Jagaddala universities.
Buddhism in China
Buddhism is one of China's three major faiths. In some temples, Buddhist gods were worshipped alongside Chinese gods.
Mahayana Buddhism, more complex than Theravada Buddhism, was practised in China. Concerns about some Buddhist teachings prompted a monk named Xuan Zang (also known as Tripitaka) to travel to India in 600 A.D. In the 1500s, a chronicle of his famous journey was written as Journey to the West. Gods Sun Wukong and Zhu Bajie accompany Xuan Zang on his quest. Several ordeals and tests of their honesty awaited the three travellers over the course of their 14-year journey, including combat with demons and monsters using a magic stick.