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

History and Background The early stages of Buddhism were mostly limited to India and are commonly referred to as Theravada Buddhism. Later Buddhism, which gained widespread popularity beyond India (particularly in China and Japan), was called Mahayana Buddhism. The main principle of Buddhist philosophy is the belief that all life is painful. Everyone is exposed to the horrors of birth, sickness, decrepitude, and death, as well as separation from what they love. Suffering is c