Grammatical Analysis
Aṅguttaranikāya: [m.] The Collection of Numerical Discourses; The “Further-factored” Collection. Formed by aṅga (factor, part, item) + uttara (higher, further) + nikāya (collection).
Orthodox Definition
The Aṅguttara-nikāya is the fourth collection of the Sutta-piṭaka, containing over 9,000 short discourses. It is structured purely by numerical progression, functioning essentially as the encyclopedia or index of the Buddha’s teachings.
It begins with the “Book of the Ones” (lists of single items), proceeds to the “Book of the Twos” (e.g., the two types of fools), and progresses mathematically up to the “Book of the Elevens.”
Because it deals heavily with lists, the Aṅguttara is incredibly broad. It contains the majority of the Buddha’s teachings directed specifically to laypeople regarding wealth, marriage, ethics, and civic duties, while also containing profound numbered lists on meditation (like the five hindrances or seven factors of enlightenment). It was preserved by the lineage of Venerable Anuruddha.
Textual References
- Canonical: Kālāma Sutta (AN 3.65) – The famous discourse in the Book of the Threes regarding the criteria for accepting a spiritual teaching.
- Canonical: Metta Sutta (AN 11.15) – The eleven benefits of practicing loving-kindness.
- Commentary: Manorathapūraṇī – Buddhaghosa’s commentary, famous for its Etadaggavagga section which details the biographies of the foremost disciples.