Which ‘Tripitaka' tells us that there were separate branches for men and women in 'Sangha'?

Question

Accepted Answer

The correct answer to the question is Option 3: Vinaya Pitaka.

1. **Explanation for Option 3 (Vinaya Pitaka):**
   The Vinaya Pitaka is one of the three main sections of the Tripitaka, which is the traditional term for Buddhist scriptures. The Vinaya Pitaka primarily deals with the rules and regulations for monastic life, including the code of conduct for monks and nuns. It provides detailed guidelines on how the Sangha (the Buddhist monastic community) should be organized and managed. This includes the establishment of separate branches for men (bhikkhus) and women (bhikkhunis) within the Sangha. The Vinaya Pitaka outlines the procedures for ordination, the roles and responsibilities of monks and nuns, and the disciplinary measures to be followed. Therefore, it is the Vinaya Pitaka that informs us about the existence of separate branches for men and women in the Sangha, making Option 3 the correct answer.

2. **Explanation for why other options are incorrect:**

- **Option 1 (Abhidhamma Pitaka):** The Abhidhamma Pitaka is a collection of texts that delve into the philosophical and doctrinal aspects of Buddhism. It focuses on the analysis of mental phenomena and the nature of reality. It does not deal with the organizational structure or rules of the Sangha, and therefore, it does not provide information about separate branches for men and women.

- **Option 2 (Sutta Pitaka):** The Sutta Pitaka contains the discourses and teachings of the Buddha. While it covers a wide range of topics related to the Buddha's teachings, it does not specifically address the organizational rules or the separation of branches within the Sangha. The Sutta Pitaka is more focused on the doctrinal and ethical teachings rather than the administrative aspects of monastic life.

- **Option 4 (None of these):** This option is incorrect because the Vinaya Pitaka, as explained, does indeed provide information about the separate branches for men and women in the Sangha. Therefore, Option 4 cannot be the correct answer.

In conclusion, the Vinaya Pitaka is the section of the Tripitaka that addresses the organizational structure of the Sangha, including the establishment of separate branches for men and women, which is why Option 3 is the correct answer.