Sūtras in the twelve categories
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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.
