What are the "Numerical Sutras"?

The Numerical or Further-factored Discourses

The Numerical Discourses -- Anguttara Nikaya -- are the fourth division of the Collection of Buddhist Sutras (Sutta Pitaka of the Canon). It consists of several thousand sutras [see note below] in 11 books (nipatas) sorted by their numerical content. For example, the Book of the Ones (first nipata) contains sutras on a single topic, the Book of the Twos (second nipata) on pairs, and so on. These are the 11 books:

1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 6 - 7 - 8 - 9 - 10 - 11

At first glance this may seem an odd way to arrange things, but it proves quite useful. For example, if one dimly recalls having heard something about the five subjects worthy of daily contemplation, to track it down, begin in the Book of the Fives in the Numerical Discourses.

Two excellent anthologies containing selected sutras from the Numerical Discourses are Numerical Discourses of the Buddha: An Anthology from the Anguttara Nikaya (by Nyanaponika Thera and Bhikkhu Bodhi, Buddhist Publication Society, 1999; Altamira Press in the USA) and Handful of Leaves, Vol. 3, by Thanissaro Bhikkhu (Sati Center for Buddhist Studies).

The Untamed Mind
Translated by F.L. Woodward (Book of the Ones, excerpt)
[The Buddha:] I know not of any other single thing so intractable as the untamed mind [in Buddhism mind is synonymous with heart]. The untamed mind is indeed an intractable thing. I know not of any other thing so tractable as the tamed mind. The tamed mind is indeed a tractable thing.

I know not of any other single thing so conducive to great loss as the untamed mind. The untamed mind indeed conduces to great loss. I know not of any other single thing so conducive to great profit as the tamed mind. The tamed mind indeed conduces to great profit.

I know not of any other single thing that brings such woe as the mind that is untamed, uncontrolled, unguarded, and unrestrained. Such a mind indeed brings great woe. I know not of any other single thing that brings such bliss as the mind that is tamed, controlled, guarded, and restrained. Such a mind indeed brings great bliss (AN 1.31-40).

NOTE: The exact number of discourses depends on the edition (Sri Lankan, Thai, or Burmese) and on the way they are enumerated. The text says it consists of 9,557, but most of the discourses are mere repetitions with a new word added here and there. The number of discourses distinctive in character could be brought down to a little over 1,000 (Handbook of Pali Literature, 1993, p. 12). The Sri Lankan version has 8,777. The American scholar Bhikkhu Bodhi counts 2,344 [pg. xv], while Russell Webb in England counts 2,308 (An Analysis of the Pali Canon, pg. 26).