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.
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