Suttas

Suttas are discourses in Buddhist literature attributed to the Buddha or to his close disciples. The term sutta (Pali) corresponds to the Sanskrit sutra, and both are commonly translated as “discourse” or “teaching.” Suttas form a central part of early Buddhist scriptures and are studied for ethical guidance, meditation instructions, and philosophical insight.

In Theravada Buddhism, suttas are collected in the Sutta Pitaka of the Tipitaka, organized into five Nikayas: Digha (long discourses), Majjhima (middle-length), Samyutta (connected discourses), Anguttara (numerical discourses), and Khuddaka (a miscellaneous collection). The Khuddaka Nikaya contains many shorter discourses and anthologies, including well-known texts such as the Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta and Metta Sutta, as well as the Sutta Nipata.

Across other Buddhist traditions, sutras exist in Chinese translations known as the Agamas and are also preserved in Tibetan and other canons. Mahayana and Vajrayana literature uses sutras extensively, with texts like the Heart Sutra and the Lotus Sutra functioning as core scriptures in their respective schools. While all of these works are termed sutras or suttas, their dating, authorship, and canonical status vary by tradition.

Content and style of suttas vary, but they commonly present teachings through dialogues between the Buddha and his interlocutors. Topics include ethical conduct, concentration and mindfulness practices, the nature of suffering, dependent origination, and paths to liberation. Suttas remain a primary source for scholarly study and for Buddhist practice across several traditions.