Zengyi ahan jing 增一阿含經

Zengyi ahan jing 增一阿含經, the "Sutra of Sermons Increased by One", is a key canonical text in early Buddhism and one of the four Āgamas (Chinese transcription [Ct.] ahan 阿含) or "collections of discourses" of the "Northern" transmission (Mahāyāna Buddhism). It is the Chinese version of the Ekottarikāgama, translated during the Eastern Jin period 東晉 (317-420) by Saṅghadeva (Ch. Sengjiatipo 僧伽提婆, late 4th cent.). The text comprises 51 juan (some sources record 50).

Because its sutras or sermons are arranged sequentially according to numerical categories of doctrine, it is named ekottarika "increasing by one". Tradition holds that the Sanskrit original was orally recited in the Former Qin empire 前秦 (351-394) by Dharmanandi (Ch. Tanmonanti 曇摩難提, late 4th cent.), orally interpreted by Zhu Fonian 竺佛念, written down by Tansong 曇嵩, and later examined and corrected by Dao'an 道安 (312-385) and Fahe 法和. During the Later Qin period 後秦 (384-417), Senglüe 僧䂮 and Sengmao 僧茂 assisted in collating omissions and ensured that all verses were fully recorded.

Since the initial translation was not entirely satisfactory, it was subsequently revised by Saṅghadeva (Ch. Sengjiatipo 僧伽提婆). According to the book catalogue Jingke da zangjing mulu 精刻大藏經目錄 (1945), 30 individual sutras from this collection, which were translated separately, are still extant.

The Ekottarikāgama generally aligns with the Aṅguttara-nikāya of the "Southern" transmission (Theravada Buddhism), although the version in the Pali Canon contains a greater number of sutras. Originally, this Āgama was divided into four sections and eight recitation groups (song 誦), but in the received edition, only the "Shepherd Chapter" (Muyang pin 牧羊品) is marked as part of the "Fourth Section, Separate Recitation" (biesong 別誦), while the remaining sections do not specify recitation divisions.

The collection includes 52 chapters and 472 sutras. The Introductory Chapter (Xupin 序品) features a single sutra in verse form that presents the overall purpose of the collection and contains an injunction for its transmission and dissemination. The remaining chapters are arranged in sequence, from teachings involving one doctrinal item up to eleven doctrinal items.

The Zengyi ahan jing records the deeds of the Siddhārtha Gautama (i.e., the Buddha) and his disciples; explains the disciplinary rules for ordained monks and nuns, as well as regulations for the religious practice of lay followers; and expounds the principal doctrines of early (Theravada) Buddhism. Because the text contains expressions such as the "six perfections" (liudu 六度) and the "three vehicles" (sansheng 三乘), and acknowledges the bodhisattva and Mahāyāna path, positions close to those advocated by the Mahāsāṃghika School (Ch. Dazhong bu 大眾部), it is generally regarded as a recension transmitted by this School.

This scripture primarily focuses on teachings about generosity, moral discipline, and nirvana, along with numerous stories illustrating karmic causes and conditions. Because of this, it was often studied by those involved in exhortation and moral education. Like the other three Āgamas, this work is a crucial canonical source that preserves the doctrines of early Buddhism. It holds an important place in the history of Indian Buddhism and offers valuable material for research into the origins of Buddhism, as well as the political, religious, and philosophical contexts of northern India during that period.