Significance of Anguttara-nikaya

The Anguttara-nikaya, a significant collection within the Pali Canon, comprises Buddhist teachings that are categorized numerically. It includes various discourses attributed to the Buddha, addressing precepts, ethical practices, and moral behavior. Notably, it contains references to key figures and teachings such as Khema Theri and the Janussoni Sutta. This collection is appreciated for its systematic arrangement and accessibility, making it an essential source for understanding Buddhist doctrine and practices across different traditions.

In Dutch: Anguttara-nikaya; In German: Anguttara-nikaya; In Finnish: Anguttara-nikaya; In Spanish: Anguttara-nikaya

The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.

Buddhist concept of 'Anguttara-nikaya'

Buddhism Books

The Anguttara-nikaya is a significant collection of discourses within the Pali Canon, known for organizing teachings numerically and addressing various moral instructions, ethical conduct, and insights into the human condition relevant to Buddhist practice.

Significance in Theravada (major branch of Buddhism):
Theravada Books

From: Maha Buddhavamsa—The Great Chronicle of Buddhas

(1) It is a scripture that contains various discourses, including the Tikanda Vagga and Dana Vagga, which detail different types of gifts and their associated qualities.[1] (2) The Anguttara Nikaya is one of the five Nikayas in the Sutta Pitaka, which contains discourses of the Buddha arranged numerically.[2] (3) The Anguttara Nikaya is a collection of Buddhist teachings, containing the Tatiya Pannasa and the Kesi vagga, which includes the Patoda Sutta and the analogy of horses and men.[3] (4) This is the name of the book in which the brief account of Jivaka is based, which provided the basis for this description of his life.[4] (5) The text refers to the Commentary on this, which is one of the sources used to describe the story of the brothers Tapussa and Bhallika.[5]

From: Dhammapada (translated from the Pali)

(1) A collection of miscellaneous suttas within the Sutta-pitaka, in divisions the length of which increases by one. It is one of the collections of suttas.[6] (2) One of the five Nikayas arranged by the number of items in each teaching.[7]

From: Dhammapada (Illustrated)

(1) A text in which the Mettanisamsa discourse occurs, which sets forth eleven advantages of Metta-bhavana.[8] (2) A canonical Buddhist text from which these teachings are derived.[9]

From: Guide to Tipitaka

(1) A collection of numbered discourses from the Suttanta Pitaka, referenced in two volumes of questions and answers.[10]

From: A Discourse on Paticcasamuppada

(1) A source of commentary that discusses aspects of ethical conduct and meditation, touching on the right views and their importance for good rebirth.[11]

From: Introducing Buddhist Abhidhamma

(1) A Buddhist text that includes teachings on decay, disease, and death as warnings.[12]

Theravada is a major branch of Buddhism having the the Pali canon (tipitaka) as their canonical literature, which includes the vinaya-pitaka (monastic rules), the sutta-pitaka (Buddhist sermons) and the abhidhamma-pitaka (philosophy and psychology).

Significance in Mahayana (major branch of Buddhism):
Mahayana Books

From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra

(1) A collection of numerical discourses in the Pali canon where teachings are organized numerically.[13]

Mahayana is a major branch of Buddhism focusing on the path of a Bodhisattva (spiritual aspirants/ enlightened beings). Extant literature is vast and primarely composed in the Sanskrit language. There are many sutras of which some of the earliest are the various Prajnaparamita sutras.

Significance in Buddhism (general):

From: Hualin International Journal of Buddhist Studies

(1) In his commentary to the Anguttara Nikaya, Buddhaghosa tells that one day the Buddha’s relics will come together near Bodh Gaya at the Bodhi tree.[14]

Hindu concept of 'Anguttara-nikaya'

Hinduism Books

The Anguttara-nikaya in Hinduism is interpreted as a Buddhist scripture that organizes teachings by numerical themes and incorporates elements like Pratibha, emphasizing poetic insight within its foundational discourses.

Significance in Ayurveda (science of life):
Ayurveda Books

From: Bhesajjakkhandhaka (Chapter on Medicine)

(1) The Numerical Discourses, which group teachings according to numerical categories.[15] (2) A Buddhist scripture that compiles teachings and discourses categorized by numerically ordered themes.[16]

Ayurveda is a branch of Indian science dealing with medicine, herbalism, taxology, anatomy, surgery, alchemy and related topics. Traditional practice of Ayurveda in ancient India dates back to at least the first millenium BC. Literature is commonly written in Sanskrit using various poetic metres.

The concept of Anguttara-nikaya in local and regional sources

History Books

The Anguttara-nikaya is referenced in the text as a foundational scripture, illustrating an analogy where circle areas are explained through inscribing squares, enhancing comprehension via geometric interpretations within a narrative framework.

Significance in India history and geography:

From: History of Science in South Asia

(1) This is a text referenced in the article, and the text uses a narration from it to describe an effort to explain the area of a circle in terms of squares, by inscribing square objects into a circle.[17]

From: Triveni Journal

(1) Anguttara Nikaya provides a list of the Mahajanapadas, including Anga, Magadha, Kasi, Kosala, Vriji, Malla, Chedi (Kalinga), Vatsa, Kuru Panchala, Matsya, Sourasena, Asvaka (Assaka or Asmaka), Avanti and Gandhara.[18]