The correct option is 2 and 3 only.
Explanation
Early Buddhist teachings were preserved through an oral tradition of recitation and memorization. The formal compilation and subsequent writing of these texts occurred centuries after the lifetime of the Buddha to ensure their preservation.
Statement-wise Analysis:
- Statement 1 is Incorrect. The Buddha’s speeches and teachings were not written down immediately by his disciples. Instead, they were memorized and transmitted orally. At the First Buddhist Council, the teachings were recited to settle the Dhamma and Vinaya, but the oral tradition persisted for several centuries before being committed to writing.
- Statement 2 is Correct. The Pali Tipitaka (Three Baskets) was first reduced to writing in Sri Lanka during the 1st century BCE. This occurred during the reign of King Vattagamani Abhaya at the Aluvihara Rock Cave Temple. The decision to write down the texts was driven by the fear that the oral tradition might be lost due to famine and political instability.
- Statement 3 is Correct. The Dipavamsa (Chronicle of the Island) and the Mahavamsa (Great Chronicle) are historical texts from Sri Lanka. While they focus on the history of Buddhism in the region, they also contain biographical accounts of the Buddha, including details of his life and legendary visits to the island.
Key Takeaway:
The Buddhist canon remained oral for roughly four centuries after the Buddha's death. The Dipavamsa and Mahavamsa are vital Sri Lankan chronicles that provide both regional history and biographical details of the Buddha.