Two Agama Sutras that Preach the Way to Enlightenment
Among the Agama Sutras, two sutras are particularly known for their expounding on the “way to attain Buddhahood” (the path to enlightenment):
The Miscellaneous Agama Sutra and the Response Sutra (also known as the Response Sutra)
The First Agama Sutra and the Three Offerings Chapter
The First Method of Enlightenment – the Response Sutra (Advanced Practice)
Contents: A method for attaining Buddhahood through the practice of the “Seven Departments and Thirty-Seven Paths.”
Thirty-seven training elements for enlightenment, including the Seven Awakening Points, the Eightfold Path, the Four Foundations of Mindfulness, the Five Roots, and the Five Powers.
Systematically, it is a “curriculum for enlightenment” divided into seven categories.
A path for advanced practitioners (high-rooted and high-grade).
Through thorough training in meditation, wisdom, and precepts, enlightenment is attained step by step.
It is said to be the Buddha’s “most systematically compiled path to enlightenment.”
A strict method of attaining enlightenment aimed at monks and those aspiring to deeper practice.
The Second Method of Enlightenment – The Three Offerings (Universal Practice)
Content: A method of attaining enlightenment by planting the “Three Roots of Merit.”
Plant merit (offerings, devotion, and respect) for the Tathagata (the Buddha), the True Dharma (the teachings), and the Sangha (the holy people).
This method is also possible for those with little merit and weak training (low-ranking roots).
Accumulate merit in your daily life by “respecting the Buddha,” “studying the teachings,” and “respecting your fellowmen.”
It is said that these merits are never-ending and will surely lead to nirvana.
A “path to enlightenment” open to laypeople.
Even those unable to meditate or engage in rigorous training can approach enlightenment through faith, study, and community practice.
The Position of the Two Methods of Enlightenment
The method of enlightenment in the Response Sutra → Specialized and advanced, for practitioners.
The enlightenment method in the Three Offerings chapter → Universal, easy to practice, and suitable for lay believers.
In other words, the Buddha taught “two enlightenment methods according to ability.”
Both are paths to “reaching nirvana,” but the difference lies in the depth and difficulty of the approach.
Comparison Table of the Two Enlightenment Methods
Item: The Response Sutra (Minor Agama Sutra, Response Sutra); The Three Offerings chapter (Increasing Agama Sutra, Three Offerings chapter); Position: Advanced practice (for upper roots/higher rank); Universal practice (for lower roots/lower rank); Practice Content: Practicing the Seven Departments and Thirty-Seven Path Chapters (comprehensively perfecting precepts, concentration, and wisdom); The Three Roots of Merit (planting merit in the Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha = devotion to and offerings to the Three Jewels); Target Audience: Monks, those able to endure deep practice, and lay believers Those who can walk the path even with little virtue or good fortune. Keywords: Eightfold Path, Four Foundations of Mindfulness, Seven Awakening Points, Precepts, Concentration, Wisdom, Systemized Path to Enlightenment, Three Treasures, Offerings, Faith, Good Fortune, Community Support. Characteristics: A theoretical, rigorous, step-by-step “elite course” to enlightenment. A “path that anyone can walk” that can be practiced in everyday life. Ultimate Goal: Perfecting wisdom through rigorous training and reaching nirvana. Merit accumulates endlessly, and nirvana is guaranteed.
Additional Points
The Osetsukyo is a meticulously systematic program for enlightenment, described in the Agon sect as “seven systems and 37 curricula.”
The three offerings are called the “Three Paths of Good Fortune,” and are a method for enlightenment that anyone can use to accumulate merit in their daily lives.