When discussing the content and classification of Buddhist scriptures, the current convention is often to place them into two broad categories. The first of these is the classic definition based on Buddhist tradition, the other is the contemporary definition given by scholars. This discussion of the development of Buddhist scriptures will explore these two kinds of definition separately, and will also discuss the development and the unique features of these texts from the traditions of the three major Buddhist cultural areas: India (including Southeast Asia), China and Tibet.