Think of the four main Nikāyas as distinct playlists in the Sutta Pitaka—each with its own rhythm and style:

• Dīgha Nikāya (Long Discourses)
34 suttas
– Feature-length talks on ethics, cosmology and monastic life.

• Majjhima Nikāya (Middle-Length Discourses)
152 suttas
– A balanced mix of practical guidance and philosophical depth.

• Saṃyutta Nikāya (Linked Discourses)
2,889 suttas (approx.)
– Short bites arranged by theme, almost like bite-size wisdom snacks.

• Aṅguttara Nikāya (Numerical Discourses)
2,308 suttas (approx.)
– Organized by numbers: from “one” up to “eleven,” a bit like climbing a ladder of insights.

The Khuddaka Nikāya, often called the “Minor Collection,” isn’t tallied as neatly. It’s a medley of 15 books (like the Dhammapada, Jātaka tales, Sutta Nipāta), each with its own shape and size rather than a straight sutta count.

Modern scholars note slight variations in these totals—editions published by the Pāli Text Society, Burmese, Thai or Sri Lankan editions may tweak numbering based on manuscript traditions. In today’s digital world, accessing these thousands of discourses via apps or podcasts brings a fresh twist, proving that centuries-old teachings still resonate like a trending hashtag.