Sūtras in the twelve categories
Jump to navigation
Jump to search
sūtras in the twelve categories (十二部經). The teachings of the Buddha are classified by content and form into the twelve categories:
(1) sūtra, discourses in prose;
(2) geya, songs that repeat the teachings;
(3) vyākaraṇa, prophecies;
(4) gāthā, stanzas;
(5) udāna, self-initiated utterances;
(6) nidāna, causes of the discourses;
(7) avadāna, parables;
(8) itivṛttaka, sūtras that begin with “so it has been said”;
(9) jātaka, past lives of the Buddha;
(10) vaipulya, extensive teachings;
(11) adbhuta-dharma, marvelous events; and
(12) upadeśa, pointing-out instructions.