Khuddakapātha

One of the fifteen books of the Khuddaka Nikāya, generally mentioned first in this list (E.g., DA.i.17).

Its rightful claim to be included as part of the Tipitaka was disputed both by the Dīghabhānakas and the Majjhimabhānakas (DA.i.15). It is generally acknowledged (for a discussion see Law, Pāli Lit., i.7f; 34f) that the work is of later composition and that it contains extracts from earlier works. It may have been composed in Ceylon, and it is significant that its first mention as a canonical book should occur only in the commentaries. It is not mentioned even in the Milindapañha.

The book consists of nine sections on texts:

• Saranattaya,

• Dasasikkhā-pada,

• Dvattimsākāra,

• Kumārapañha,

and five suttas:

• Mangala,

• Ratana,

• Tirokudda,

• Nidhikanda, and

• Metta

- all found elsewhere in the canon.

According to the Commentary the book derives its name from the first four texts, which are shorter than the remaining five. KhpA.13.

The Commentary was written by Buddhaghosa. See also Gv.59, 68.

Dictionary of Pali Proper Names, G P Malalasekera (1899-1973), which is available as printed version from

Khuddakapāṭha

The first book of the Khuddaka Nikāya of the Sūtra Piṭaka of the Pāli Canon. It is thought that this book was the last one to be added to the Khuddaka Nikāya collection and its rightful claim to be included as part of the canon was disputed both by the Dīgha-bhāṇakas and the Majjhima- bhāṇakas. It appears to be a later composition, possibly compiled as a handbook for novices. The Khuddakapāṭha consists of nine short texts, probably compiled in Sri Lanka, only one of which is not found elsewhere in the canon. The commentary to the Khuddakapāṭha, traditionally attributed to Buddhaghoṣa (5th century ce), is part of the Paramatthajotikā. According to the commentary, the book derives its name from the first four texts, which are shorter than the remaining five.

A Dictionary of Buddhism, Oxford University Press, 2003, 2004 (which is available in electronic version from answer.com)

khuddakapāṭha : [m.] name of the first book of the khuddaka-group.

A.P. Buddhadatta Mahathera, Concise Pali-English and English-Pali Dictionary [available as digital version from Metta Net, Sri Lanka]