The Āgama Section (阿含部; pinyin: Āhán Bù; Japanese: Agon Bu) is a division of the Taishō Tripiṭaka that contains sūtras related to the Āgamas, roughly corresponding to the texts of the Sutta Piṭaka of the Pāli Canon. It corresponds to the first two volumes of the Taishō Tripiṭaka and corresponds to text numbers 1–151.[1] Notable collections within this section include the Dīrghāgama (長阿含經; T1), Madhyamāgama (中阿含經; T26), Saṃyuktāgama (雜阿含經; T99), and the Ekottarāgama (增壹阿含經; T125), while the section also includes individual sūtras that were translated separately from these collections, but which contain parallels therein, such as the Dharmacakrapravartana Sūtra (佛說轉法輪經; T109).[2]
| Volume 1 | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dīrghāgama | T1(K647) | 長阿含經(Cháng Āhán Jīng; Jō Agon Kyō) | Dīrghāgama (Longer Āgama Collection) | Translated by Buddhayaśas and Zhu Fonian in 412-413 CE. 22 fascicles, 4 vargas, 30 sūtras. | Shohei Ichimura, The Canonical book of the Buddha's Lengthy Discourses[7] and Charles Patton as The Long Discourses.[8] | A collection of 30 longer sūtras in four sections. Roughly parallel to the Pāli Dīgha Nikāya. This recension belongs to the Dharmaguptaka School. |
| T2(K1182) | 七佛經(Qīfó Jīng; Shichibutsu Kyō) | Saptabuddhaka[9] (Seven Buddhas Sūtra) | Translated by Fatian in 973 CE. 1 fascicle. | No English translations. | A narrative relating the biographies of seven past buddhas. One of several translations with genetic relation to the Mahāvadāna-sūtra (T1(1); 大本經), correlating to the Pāli Mahāpadāna-suttanta (DN14). Besides T1(1) parallels found in T3, T4, and T136). | |
| T3(K1177) | 毘婆尸佛經(Pípóshīfó Jīng; Bibashibutsu Kyō) |
| Translated by Fatian in 973 CE. 2 fascicles. | No English translations. | A narrative relating the biography of Vipaśyin Buddha, with some overlaps with Fatian's translation of T2, and thus also the Mahāvadāna-sūtra (T1(1)). Besides T2, partial parallels are also found in T4 and T125(19.1). | |
| T4(K747) | 七佛父母姓字經(Qīfó Fùmǔ Xìngzì Jīng; Shichibutsu Fumo Shōji Kyō) |
| Translator unknown. Dates to the Cao Wei Dynasty (220-254 CE). 1 fascicle. | No English translations. | A simplified variant on the Mahāvadāna-sūtra (T1(1)) narrative, where the Buddha relates the biographical details of seven past buddhas. Besides T1(1), parallels are also found in T2, T3, and T125(48.4). | |
| T5(K653) | 佛般泥洹經(Fó Bānníhuán Jīng; Butsu Hannion Kyō) |
| Translated by Bo Fazu in the Western Jin Dynasty's Huidi era (290-306 CE). 2 fascicles. | No English translations. | A rendition of the narrative leading up to the Buddha's parinirvāṇa in Kuśinagara. One of several sūtras of genetic relation to the Journey Sūtra (T1(2); 遊行經) correlating to the Pāli Mahāparinibbāna-suttanta (DN16). Besides T1(2), parallels are also found in T6, T7, T26(68 & 142), and T125(40.2). | |
| T6(K654) | 般泥洹經(Bānníhuán Jīng; Hannion Kyō) | Nirvāṇa-sūtra | Translator unknown. Dates to the Eastern Jin Dynasty (317-420). 2 fascicles. | No English translations. | Similar to T5, this is a rendition of the narrative leading up to the Buddha's parnirvāṇa starting from his departure from Rājagṛha, with emphasis the distribution of his relics and worship of stūpas. Ui suggests Dharmarakṣa (c. 239–316) as the possible translator.[10] Besides T5, parallels include T1(2), T7, T26(68 & 142), and T125(40.2). | |
| T7(K652) | 大般槃經經(Dà Bānnièpán Jīng; Dai Hannehan Gyō) | Mahāparinirvāṇa-sūtra (Sūtra on the Great Final Nirvāṇa) | Translated by Faxian in 416–418. 3 fascicles. | No English translations. | Similar to T5 and T6, this sūtra is a rendition of the narrative of the Buddha's nirvāṇa, from his announcement that he will enter nirvāṇa up to the division of his relics. Parallels are T1(2), T5, T6, and T26(68). | |
| T8(K1453) | 大堅固婆羅門緣起經(Dà Jiān'gù Póluómén Yuánqǐ Jīng; Dai Kengo Baramon Engi Kyō) |
Lancaster suggests Mahāgovindiya-sūtra.[11] | Translated by Dānapāla in 1010. 2 fascicles. | No English translations. | A past-life story of the Buddha's time as the Great Reliable Brahmin, in which he guides a king. Roughly equivalent to the Pāli Mahāgovinda-sutta (DN19). Parallel to the Dīrghāgama | |
| T9(K1247) | 人仙經(Rénxiān Jīng; Ninsen Kyō) |
| Translated by Tainxizai in 1001. 1 fascicle. | No English translations. | Some time before his nirvāṇa, the Buddha delivers this sūtra on King Bimbisāra's rebirth as Ṛṣi Jina in the heaven of Vaiśravaṇa. Equivalent to the Pāli Janavasabha-sutta (DN18). Parallel to the Dīrghāgama | |
| T10(K1464) | 白衣金幢二婆羅門緣起經(Báiyī Jīnchuáng Ér Póluómén Yuánqǐ Jīng; Byakue Kondō Ni Baramon Engi Kyō) |
(The Sūtra on Origination for the Two Brahmins, Vāsiṣṭha and Bhāradvāja) | Translated by Dānapāla in 1012. 3 fascicles. | No English translations. | The Buddha explains to two brahmins about how caste is irrelevant to being a true brahmin. This sūtra is equivalent to the Pāli Aggañña-sutta (DN27). It's parallels include the Dīrghāgama | |
| T11(K1463) | 尼拘陀梵志經(Níjūtuó Fànzhì Jīng; Nikuda Bonshi Kyō) |
| Translated by Dānapāla in 980. 2 fascicles. | No English translations. | The Buddha explains to Nyagrodha about the disadvantages of asceticism and how to practise the Buddha-Dharma. Equivalent to the Pāli Udumbarika-sīhanāda-sutta (D23). Parallels include the Dīrghāgama | |
| T12(K1429) | 大集法門經(Dàjí Fǎmén Jīng; Daishū Hōmon Kyō) | Mahāsaṅgīti-sūtra(The Sūtra on the Great Assembly) | Translated by Dānapāla in 980. 2 fascicles. | No English translations. | During a full moon day, the Buddha teaches the Saṅgha near Pāvā but retires due to a backache. Śāriputra takes over and recites a comprehensive collection of the Buddha's teachings. Equivalent to the Pāli Saṅgītisutta (DN33). Parallel to the Dīrghāgama | |
| T13(K663) | 長阿含十報法經(Cháng Āhánshíbàofǎ Jīng; Jō Agon Juppō Hōkyō) |
| Translated by An Shigao between 148-170 CE. 2 fascicles. | No English translations. | The Buddha analyses the Dharma into ten aspects: attaining, cultivation, awakening, cessation, retrogression, increase, the difficult to understand, arising, knowledge, and realisation. This early sūtra is thought to record an early phase in the development of the Āgama literature. Equivalent to the Pāli Dasuttarasutta (DN34) and the Dīrghāgama | |
| T14(K655) | 人本欲生經(Rén Běnyùshēng Jīng; Nin Honyokushō Kyō) | Mahānidāna-sūtra[13] (The Sūtra on the Great Origin; The Sūtra on the Origin of Humans into Desire) | Translated by An Shigao between 146-156 CE. 1 fascicle. | No English translations. | The Buddha teaches on dependent origination, starting with old age and death, birth, becoming, attachment, and desire. Equivalent to the Pāli Mahānidāna-suttanta (DN15). Parallel to the Dīrghāgama | |
| T15(K1252) | 帝釋所問經(Dìshì Suǒwèn Jīng; Taishaku Shomon Kyō) | Śakra-paripṛcchā-sūtra (The Sūtra on the Questions of Śakra) | Translated by Faxian (the latter) between 998-1001. 1 fascicle. | No English translations. | Śakra is taught by the Buddha that suffering arises from ignorance, and that release comes through the eightfold path. It includes discussion of how women can abandon their female form and be born as devas. Equivalent to the Pāli Sakkapañha-sutta (DN21). Parallel to the Dīrghāgama | |
| T16(K656) | 佛說尸迦羅越六方禮經(Shījiāluóyuè Liùfānglǐ Jīng; Shigaraotsu Roppōrai Kyō) | Śṛgālāvāda-sūtra (The Words for Śṛgālā Sūtra) | Translated by An Shigao between 148–170. 1 fascicle. | Bhadanta Pannasiri, "Sigālovāda-Sutta," Visva-Bharati Annals 3 (1950): 150-228 (from p. 165). | Śṛgālā (a.k.a. Sujāta or Sujātaputra) bows to the six directions wishing to avoid misfortune. The Buddha suggests that instead he should pay respect to six kinds of people on whom one relies, e.g. parents, teachers, etc. Equivalent to the Pāli Sigālovāda Sutta (DN31). Parallel to the Dīrghāgama | |
| T17(K718) | 善生子經(Shànshēngzǐ Jīng; Zenshōshi Kyō) | Sujātapura-sūtra (The Sūtra of Sujāta's Son) | Translated by Zhi Fadu in 301. 1 fascicle. | Bhadanta Pannasiri, "Sigālovāda-Sutta," Visva-Bharati Annals 3 (1950): 150-228 (from p. 173). | A retranslation of T16. Equivalent to the Pāli Sigālovāda Sutta (DN31). Parallel to the Dīrghāgama | |
| T18(K1248) | 信佛功德經(Xìnfó Gōngdé Jīng; Shinbutsu Kudoku Kyō) | Sūtra of Faith in the Buddha's Merits | Translated by Faxian (the latter) in 1001. 1 fascicle. | No English translation. | Śāriputra speaks of his great faith in the Buddha. While admitting his ignorance of the merits of all buddhas of the three times, Śāriputra praises their merits in terms of morality and liberation. Equivalent to the Pāli Sampasādanīya Sutta (DN28). Parallel to the Dīrghāgama | |
| T19(K1179) | 大三摩惹經(Dà Sānmórě Jīng; Dai Sanmanya Kyō) | Mahāsamāja Sūtra (The Great Assembly Sūtra) | Translated by Dharmadeva in 973. 1 fascicle. | No English translation. | A large assembly of devas come to hear the Buddha teach and see the saṅgha. Parts equivalent to the Pāli Mahasamaya Sutta (DN20) and Āṭānāṭiya Sutta (DN32). Parallel to the Dīrghāgama | |
| T20(K657) | 佛開解梵志阿颰經(Fó Kāijiě Fànzhìābá Jīng; Butsu Kaige Bonshi Abatsu Kyō) | (The Sūtra of the Buddha's Awakening of Ambāṣṭha) | Translated by Zhi Qian between 223–253. 1 fascicle. | No English translation. | The Buddha teaches the proud brahmin Ambāṣṭha, that while the kṣatriyas are really superior to brahmins, true nobility stems from morality, meditation, and wisdom. Equivalent to the Pāli Ambaṭṭha Sutta (DN3). Parallel to the Dīrghāgama | |
| T21(K659) | 梵網六十二見經(Fànwǎng Liùshíèr Jiàn Jīng; Bonmō Rokujūni Ken Kyō) | (The Brahma Net of Sixty-two Views Sūtra) | Translated by Zhi Qian between 223–253. 1 fascicle. | No English translation. | Two ascetics disagree about the virtue or vice of the Buddha. The Buddha explains the benefit of not being moved by praise or blame for them, with a lengthy discussion on the 62 wrong views. Equivalent to the Pāli Brahmajāla Sutta (DN1). Parallel to the Dīrghāgama | |
| T22(K658) | 寂志果經(Jìzhìguǒ Jīng; Jakushika Kyō) | Śrāmaṇyaphala Sūtra(The Fruits of the Contemplative Life) | Translated by Dharmarakṣa (the latter) between 381–395. 1 fascicle. | Gaeme MacQueen, A Study of the Śrāmaṇyaphala-sūtra.[14] | On the occasion of Ajātaśatru's remorse over his patricide, the Buddha teaches him about the benefits of monastic life, and Ajātaśatru becomes a supporter of the Saṅgha. Equivalent to the Pāli Sāmaññaphala Sutta (DN2). Parallel to the Dīrghāgama | |
| T23(K662) | 大樓炭經(Dàlóutàn Jīng; Dairōtan Kyō) | (Sūtra of the Great Creation and Destruction) | Translated by Fali and Faju between 290–307. 6 fascicles. | No English translation. | A sūtra on Buddhist cosmology, detailing the world's creation and destruction. It has no Pāli equivalent. Parallel to parts of the Dīrghāgama | |
| T24(K660) | 起世經(Qǐshì Jīng; Kise Kyō) | (Sūtra on the Arising of the World) | Translated by Jñānagupta between 585–600. 10 fascicles. | No English translation | A sūtra on Buddhist cosmology, detailing the world's creation and destruction. It has no Pāli equivalent. Parallel to the Dīrghāgama | |
| T25(K661) | 起世因本經(Qǐshìyīnběn Jīng; Kiseinpon Gyō) | (Sūtra on the Root Causes of the Arising of the World) | Translated by Dharmagupta between 605–617. 10 fascicles. | No English translation. | A sūtra on Buddhist cosmology, detailing the world's creation and destruction. It has no Pāli equivalent. Parallel, with some differences in chapter order, to the Dīrghāgama | |
| Madhyamāgama | T26(K648) | 中阿含經(Zhōng Āhán Jīng; Chū Agon Kyō) | Madhyamāgama(The Middle Length Āgama Collection) | Translated by Saṅghadeva in 397–398. 60 fascicles, 5 adhyāyas, 18 vargas, 220 sūtras. | Anālayo, R. Bucknell, M. Bingenheimer, et al., The Madhyamāgama (sūtras 1–181).[15] Charles Patton, The Medium Discourses (selected sūtras).[16] | An earlier translation of the Madhyamāgama collection was lost. This surviving one belongs to the Sarvāstivāda school.It is equivalent to the Pāli Majjhima Nikāya, with differences in arrangement and more sūtras in the Chinese, some of which have parallel to the Aṅguttara Nikāya. |
| T27(K665) | ||||||
| T28(K1413) | ||||||
| T29(K668) | ||||||
| T30(K1201) | ||||||
| T31(K672) | ||||||
| T32(K673) | ||||||
| T33(K675) | ||||||
| T34(K783) | ||||||
| T35(K779) | ||||||
| T36(K674) | ||||||
| T37(K669) | ||||||
| T38(K1422) | ||||||
| T39(K676) | ||||||
| T40(K681) | ||||||
| T41(K1243) | ||||||
| T42(K684) | ||||||
| T43(K682) | ||||||
| T44(K670) | ||||||
| T45(K1234) | ||||||
| T46(K686) | ||||||
| T47(K687) | ||||||
| T48(K690) | ||||||
| T49(K677) | ||||||
| T50(K688) | ||||||
| T51(K671) | ||||||
| T52(K1410) | ||||||
| T53(K692) | ||||||
| T54(K691) | ||||||
| T55(K678) | ||||||
| T56(K689) | ||||||
| T57(K693) | ||||||
| T58(K685) | ||||||
| T59(K666) | ||||||
| T60(K683) | ||||||
| T61(K871) | ||||||
| T62(K872) | ||||||
| T63(K1253) | ||||||
| T64(K679) | ||||||
| T65(K680) | ||||||
| T66(K694) | ||||||
| T67(K667) | ||||||
| T68(K720) | ||||||
| T69(K1255) | ||||||
| T70(K710) | ||||||
| T71(K719) | ||||||
| T72(K700) | ||||||
| T73(K726) | ||||||
| T74(K1181) | ||||||
| T75(K715) | ||||||
| T76(K722) | ||||||
| T77(K707) | ||||||
| T78(K701) | ||||||
| T79(K695) | ||||||
| T80(K805) | ||||||
| T81(K1098) | ||||||
| T82(K706) | ||||||
| T83(K709) | ||||||
| T84(K1411) | ||||||
| T85(K1444) | ||||||
| T86(K712) | ||||||
| T87(K721) | ||||||
| T87(K714) | ||||||
| T88(K823) | ||||||
| T89(K823) | ||||||
| T90(K697) | ||||||
| T91(K703) | ||||||
| T92(K704) | ||||||
| T93(K702) | ||||||
| T94(K698) | ||||||
| Sūtras of Lost Madhyamāgama Recensions | T95(K1451) | 蟻喩經(Yǐyù Jīng; Ariyu Kyō) | Vamraka Sūtra(Like a Termite Sūtra) | Translated by Dānapāla in c. 980. 1 fascicle. | No English Translation. | A deva presents a riddle to a mendicant, who seeks an answer from the Buddha. The Buddha explains how that being asked about relate to aspects and obstacles of the Path. Equivalent to the Pāli Vammika Sutta (MN23). Parallels in the Ekottarāgama |
| T96(K999) | 治意經(Zhì Yì Jīng; Chi I Kyō) | (The Sūtra on Control of the Mind) | Anonymous translator, dating to 265–316 . 1 fascicle. | Shaku Shingan, The Sūtra on the Control of the Mind[17] | The Buddha details the benefits of practising mindfulness of the breath (ānāpānasmṛti) and other ways to control and guard the mind for awakening. There are no known parallels. | |
| T97(K725) | 廣義法門經(Guǎngyì Fǎmén Jīng; Kōgi Hōmon Kyō) |
| Translated by Paramārtha in 563. 1 fascicle. | No English translation. | Possibly from a northern tradition of the Madhyamāgama. It details Śāriputra's teachings on various dharmas and conduct related to enlightenment and wisdom, contains Mahāyāna elements. No Pāli parallel. Parallel to T98. | |
| T98(K717) | 普法義經(Pǔfǎyì Jīng; Fuhōgi Kyō) | Arthavighuṣṭa Sūtra(Extensive Meaning Sūtra) | Translated by An Shigao in 152. 1 fascicle. | No English translation. | It details Śāriputra's teachings on various dharmas and conduct related to enlightenment and wisdom, contains Mahāyāna elements. No Pāli parallel. Parallel to T97. | |
| Volume 2 | ||||||
| Saṃyuktāgama | T99(K650) | 雜阿含經(Zá Āhán Jīng; Zō Agon Kyō) | Saṃyuktāgama(The Connected Āgama Collection) | Translated by Guṇabhadra and Baoyun in 435–436.[19] 50 fascicles. With a total of 1362 sūtras, the Taishō has 50 section divisions. Yinshun's suggested reordering sees it divided into 8 vargas with 51 sections.[20] | Anālayo, et al., A Translation of Saṃyukta-āgama Discourses (selected sūtras).[21] Charles Patton, The Related Discourses (selected sūtras).[22] | A collection of Sarvāstivāda origin which includes texts touching on all topics of Buddhist doctrine organised by category.Due to two missing fascicles, starting in China, a two fascicle translation of the Aśokāvadāna by Guṇabhadra has been interpolated, which did not belong to the Indic original of the collection.[23] Yinshun proposed a revised order, based upon details given in the Yogācārabhūmi Śāstra. Yinshun, moreover, suggests that the Saṃyuktāgama is the first collection of Buddhist sūtras, with a diachronic classification into sūtra, geya, and vyākaraṇa (the start of a ninefold classification of buddhavācana). It is a rough equivalent of the Pāli Saṃyutta Nikāya and T100 is an later, shorter, compilation. |
| T100(K651) | 別譯雜阿含經(Biéyì Zá Āhán Jīng; Betsuyaku Zō Agon Kyō) | Saṃyuktāgama Alternative Translation(The Connected Āgama Collection Alternative Translation) | Translator unknown, dated to c. 352–431. 16 fascicles. | Marcus Bingenheimer, Studies in Āgama Literature (selected sūtras).[24] | A collection of likely Mūlasarvāstivāda origin. This is a shorter collection of Saṃyuktāgama texts from another recension than T99. A rough equivalent of the Pāli Saṃyutta Nikāya. | |
| T101(K651) | ||||||
| T102(K745) | ||||||
| T103(K750) | ||||||
| T104(K1407) | ||||||
| T105(K743) | ||||||
| T106(K733) | ||||||
| T107(K737) | ||||||
| T108(K755) | ||||||
| T109(K741) | ||||||
| T110(K730) | ||||||
| T111(K729) | ||||||
| T112(K742) | ||||||
| T113(K728) | ||||||
| T114(K757) | ||||||
| T115(K752) | 馬有八態譬人經(Mǎ Yǒu Bātài Pìrén Jīng; Ma Yū Hachitai Hijin Kyō) | (The Sūtra on the Eight States of a Horse as a Parable for People) | Translated by Zhī Yào c. 185. 1 fascicle. | Shaku Shingan, The Sūtra on the Eight States of a Horse as a Parable for People.[25] | The Buddha compares eight flawed states of a horse to eight evil states of a human who reacts badly when listening to the Dharma. Equivalent to the Pāli Khaḷuṅka Sutta (AN8.14). Parallels in the Saṃyuktāgama | |
| T116(K713) | ||||||
| T117(K1240) | ||||||
| T118(K708) | ||||||
| T119(K727) | ||||||
| T120(K410) | ||||||
| T121(K1447) | ||||||
| T122(K711) | ||||||
| T123(K746a) | ||||||
| T124(K736) | ||||||
| Ekottarikāgama | T125(K649) | 增一阿含經(Zēngyī Āhán Jīng; Zōitsu Agon Kyō) | Ekottarāgama(The Āgama Collection Increased by One) | Translated by Saṅghadeva in 397 or Zhu Fonian and associates in c. 384-5.[26] 51 fascicles. | Anālayo, Ekottarika-āgama Studies (selected sūtras).[27] Charles Patton, The Numerical Discourses.[28] | A collection which probably has its origin in the Dharmaguptaka school.[29] This collection contains many Mahāyāna elements.[30] It is a collection of sūtras arranged by sequential numeracal theme, starting with one. It is a rough equivalent of the Pāli Aṅguttara Nikāya. |
| T126(K1229) | ||||||
| T127(K696) | ||||||
| T128(K723) | ||||||
| T129(K790) | ||||||
| T130(K1428) | ||||||
| T131(K705) | ||||||
| T132(K699) | ||||||
| T133(K716) | ||||||
| T134(K724) | ||||||
| T135(K749) | ||||||
| T136(K748) | ||||||
| T137(K751) | ||||||
| T138(K756) | ||||||
| T139(K732) | ||||||
| T140(K738) | ||||||
| T141(K774) | ||||||
| T142(K772) | ||||||
| T143(K771) | ||||||
| T144(K754) | ||||||
| T145(K753) | ||||||
| T146(K734) | ||||||
| T147(K735) | ||||||
| T148(K758) | ||||||
| T149(K740) | |||||
| T150a(K738) | ||||||
| T150b(K882) | ||||||
| T151(K813) | 佛說阿含正行經[32] ā hán zhèng xíng jīng | The Sutra of the Correct Practice of the Agamas | Translated An Shigao (fl. c. 148-180 CE) [33] | |||