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From: Keith (d207-216-60-167.bchsia.telus.net)
Subject: Sure, it's POSSIBLE ;-)
Date: June 1, 2005 at 8:58 am PST

In Reply to: Is it possible to say how many Sutras there are in Buddhism? (nt) posted by Camilla on June 1, 2005 at 6:00 am:

But, if you ask 10 different people, you might get 11 different answers!

Partly, it depends on whom you ask. Followers of the Theravada tradition accept one set of sutras. Followers of the Mahayana tradition accept all of the Theravada sutras and a lot more.

Partly, it depends on what you consider a sutra. Generally, any document that consists of the actual words of the Buddha is considered a sutra. Traditionally, sutras begin with the words, "Thus have I heard," indicating that what follows is the actual discourse of the Buddha. However, some schools consider other documents, taught by other people to be sutras as well. For example, the Vimalakirti Nirdesa Sutra, or the Sutra of Hui Neng (both Mahayana sutras), taught respectively by Vimalakirti and Hui Neng.

The word "sutra" simply means "book". The number ranges from dozens to hundreds.

Keith

Follow Ups:

• Re: Thanks! (more) Camilla 6/01/05 (10)
  • a couple ideas new mama 6/01/05 (4)
    • So many editions of the Dhammapada!!! Camilla 6/02/05 (2)
      • The Dhammapada new mama 6/02/05 (1)
        • Thank you, I will ask for that edition at my library! :) (nt) Camilla 6/03/05 (0)
    • Great! Thanks! I will put the titles on my reading list :):) (nt) Camilla 6/01/05 (0)
  • It varies Keith 6/01/05 (4)
    • Do you... Camilla 6/01/05 (3)
      • Yes Keith 6/02/05 (2)
        • Thanks, I think that it is a great help, too. There are so many books to choose among, and I appreciate the guidance. :) (nt) Camilla 6/03/05 (0)
        • That's helpful, thanks, Keith n/t new mama 6/02/05 (0)

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