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.

Source

www.sutrasmantras.info