SACRED WRITINGS When the Buddha was 80 years old he fell ill. Soon after he passed away. He never considered Himself a prophet or a leader. He said that He was only a guide/teacher. It is for this reason that He did not name a successor. He told His closest followers that each individual should interpret His lessons on their own. Each person is responsible for their own salvation. Although there will be help along the way, you must make your own decisions. He taught that the world should be one, not many separate entities. His last words are reputed to have been, "All things which are made of parts eventually come apart". When the Buddha died he reached PARINIRVANA.
TRIPITAKA (3 BASKETS)
After the Buddha's death 500 elders of the SANGHA held the First Council. They all listened as three of the Buddha's closest advisors recited His teachings and guidelines.
Ananda recited the SUTTA, the teachings of the Buddha. (sutras or discourses)
Upali recited the VINAYA, the 250 rules for monastic life.
Mahakashyapa recited the ABHIDHAMMA which contains explanations of the Sutta and Buddhist metaphysics and psychology.
These recitations were passed down orally until they were written down on palm leaves and kept in three separate baskets 3 centuries after the First Council.