Why is the tripitaka so important?
The Thripitakaya remained unwritten but continued to survive in
memory of the Maha Sangha (Great Buddhist Monks) until it was
compiled into writing for the first time during the reign of King
Walagambahu of Sri Lanka (1st century BCE) . The written Pali
Thripitikaya was guarded and protected by the Maha Sangha at the
sacrifice of their lives to survive three reigns of foreign
invasions. (Portuguese / Dutch / English) . It is written in the
Sri Lankan history that, more than 1000 Monks who were already
"Arahath" state (totally Awakened / Enlightened ) represented in
writing down.
The most nearest reason for that to be written was to protect
Buddhism from continual invasions from south India.
Therefore, not only the Sri Lankans, but also the people the
world over who hear a single stanza from the Thripitakaya are
indebted to the "Maha Sangha" (Great Buddhist Monks) to the extent
of laying prostrate at their worthy feet.
Ramindu Heiyantuduwa