Ekottara Āgama Sutra (增壹阿含經)

Preface to the Ekottara Āgama

Preface by Shih Dao'an, Jin Dynasty

The meanings of the Four Agamas are the same. The *Madhyama Agama* begins by clarifying its main points, so there is no need to preface it again here. The *Ekottarika Agama* organizes the Dharma teachings in numerical order. As the numbers reach ten, one is added, hence the name *Ekottarika*, meaning "increased by one." Moreover, each category increases by one, with "increase" as its core principle. This collection primarily records monastic rules, providing strict guidelines and discipline — it serves as a manual for transcending the world. Monks living in remote mountains or along rivers and seas greatly cherish and recite this Agama among the Four Agamas.

A foreign monk named Dharmanandi, a native of Tokhara, left home to become a monk in his youth. He was widely learned and recited both Agamas, constantly reviewing the old to gain new understanding. He traveled extensively through various countries, leaving no land unexplored. In the 20th year of the Former Qin Jianyuan era (384 CE), he arrived in Chang'an. His fellow countrymen from abroad all thought highly of him. Zhao Wenye, the Governor of Wuwei, requested that he produce translations. Zhu Fonian translated and transmitted the teachings, while Zhu Daosong served as scribe. The work began in summer of the Jiashen year and finished the following spring, yielding 41 scrolls divided into two parts. The first part, 26 scrolls, is completely preserved without omissions; the second part, 15 scrolls, has lost its verses and summaries. I, together with Fahe, examined and corrected them; Sengzi and Sengmao helped to verify omissions and errors, completing the work in 40 days. That year, there was the campaign at A-cheng, with war drums sounding near the capital, yet we remained devoted to this work. All together, we have the full two Agamas in 100 scrolls, along with the *Vibhasa*, *Vasumitra*, and *Samgharaksa* — these five great scriptures were transmitted. Since the Dharma flowed eastward, these are among the finest translations issued. The four Agamas were compiled by 40 Arhats; ten people composed each section, marking the beginnings and endings with summaries and verses, fearing that as the Dharma remained in the world for a long time, it might be lost or scattered.

This region has previously seen many sutras distributed in clear sections. Now, the two Agamas are being compiled—each into a new single-volume catalog—while retaining their original listings, with notes on additions or omissions, so that seekers may locate the texts with ease. The combined collection, both the earlier and later sections, totals four hundred and seventy-two sutras.

Scholars who compile these two Agamas sometimes include disciplinary rules that, in foreign lands, are not shared with novices or laypeople. From now on, let us protect these texts together, treating them with the same respect as the monastic code. This is an urgent priority for this land. These earnest instructions should not be dismissed lightly. To have broad knowledge yet neglect the preservation of precepts is a major shortcoming among scholars.

The *Middle-Length Agama*, translated by Kang Mengxiang, includes the chapter on the Great Women Disciples without recognizing it as a prohibited text. The monastic rules for nuns are deeply precise and cutting; removing them is deeply regrettable and contemptible. These two sutras may only be seen by the spiritually capable; let them hold them close to heart. If anyone treats them lightly or disregards them, I hope my companions will openly censure such behavior.

Volume One of the Ekottara Āgama

Translated by Gautama Sanghadeva, Tripitaka Master from Kashmir, Eastern Jin Dynasty