The name TRIPITAKA means three baskets. Originally, the texts were written on palm leaves and the strips were assembled into three baskets. Like the great teachers, the Buddha himself did not write anything down. His teachings did not take written form until long after his death (about 300 years),  in the first century BC The recorders of tradition were Buddhist monks and nuns.

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The Tripitaka format is used from the Sanskrit versions and the Tipitaka format  Palin language versions.  

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Mahayana Buddhists have in their own canon (official collection) "additional texts," which are the words of the Buddha and thus the greatest guideline for the lives of believers.

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Tibetan Buddhists (Lamas) have a belief that it is only they who have access to the hidden true Buddhist teachings, for only their community has been  spiritually ready to understand them. The most famous collection is the Tibetan Book of the Dead

                     1. VINAYA-PITAKA or guide basket.

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                       Ethical guidelines for monks and nuns (guidelines on the right way to live)

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                      2. SUTRA-PITAKA ie  thread basket

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                       contains the speeches of the Buddha, the most famous part of which is the Dhammapada

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                    3. ABHIMDHAMMA-PITAKA  that is, a special basket,

                      which includes a review and reflection on the teachings of the Buddha.

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