Sūtras in the twelve categories

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.

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