Department of Pali and Buddhist Studies

The Utility of Aṅguttara Nikāya

Subject: PALI 21312-Study of Pali Nikāya.
Lecturer: Ven. Hemasiri.
Student: Do Tho Ha (Nadi)
Student ID: HS/FS20/0009
Content
1. Introduction
2. The special characteristics.
3. The Utility.
4. Conclusion.
5. References.
Introduction:
• Position: the fourth collection of the Sutta Pitāka.
• English Translation: The Gradual Discourses of the Buddha, the
Numerical teachings of the Buddha.
• Number of Suttas in AN: 9557.
“Navasuttasahassāni – pañcasuttasatāni ca
Sattapaññāsa suttāni – honti aṅguttarāgame”
(Manorathpūranī)
• Content: 11 divisons (Nipātas)
The special characteristics:
“Ekakadukādipaṭaṇḍitassa aṅguttarāgamavarassa
Dhammakathikapuṅgavānaṃ vicittapaṭibhānajananassa”
(Manorathapūranī)
- AN means: “That which contains nipatās like akaka, duka etc., known
as Aṅguttarāgama, generating various knowledge of Dhammakathikas.
- The Suttas of the AN have been arranged in a numerical order.
- One will become a par-excellence Dhamma preacher if study the AN.
The Utility:
Systematical
The main themes in AN:
1. The Buddha
arrangement
2. The Dhamma and the Discipline - Organize texts in numerical order
3. The Shifting Kaleidoscope of 1. Ekaka
Experience 2. Duka
4. Maintaining a harmonious household 3. Tika
5. The way leading upwards Content 4. Catukka
6. Dispelling the World’s enchantment 5. Pañcaka
- Diversity of knowledge Nipāta
6. Chakka
7. The defilements of the mind - Give a workable idea of the principle 7. Sattaka
8. The path of renunciation - Give the materials for Vinaya 8. Aṭṭhaka
9. Meditation and Abhidhamma books 9. Navaka
10. Wisdom 10. Dasaka
11. The Saṅgha 11. Ekādasaka
12. Types of persons Application
13. Bhikkhunis and women
- Monastic community
- Lay community
(A thematic Guide to the AN –
Bhikkhubodhi)
Conclusion:
• The style (Systematical arrangement) of AN is very clear and easy to
understand.
• The content is rich, various, and highly applicable for lay community
and monastic community, for teachers and practitioners.
References:
• Bhikkhubodhi, A thematic Guide to the AN.
https://suttacentral.net/an-introduction-bodhi?lang=en

• Bimala Churn Law, A history of Pāli Literature, p.192-204.