The priceless teachings of the Buddha are preserved in Tipitaka, an extensive, detailed, systematic and analytical record. The Tipiṭaka (which means, literally, "three baskets") is arranged in three divisions: Vinaya Piṭaka, Sutta Piṭaka and Abhidhamma Piṭaka. Vinaya Piṭaka contains the rules of conduct for the monastic order. Sutta Piṭaka is a collection of discourses on various subjects by the Buddha. Abhidhamma Piṭaka is a compendium of profound teachings elucidating the functioning and inter-relationships of the mind, mental factors, matter and phenomena transcending all of these. The Tipiṭaka is a vast record, containing in modern script, more than 24 million characters in over forty printed volumes.

Written by U Ko Lay, a student of Sayagyi U Ba Khin and a former Vice Chancellor of Mandalay University, this book is a concise guide to the voluminous teachings of the Buddha. It gives an overview of the entire Tipitaka as well as a taste of the Buddha's teaching by focusing on a few of his most important discourses.

This book is ideal for Vipassana meditators as well as non-meditators.