Definition

1. Noun:
   • A rule or aphorism in Sanskrit literature: In Hinduism and Jainism, a "sutra" is a concise, often formulaic statement that expresses a core principle, rule, or teaching.
   • A scriptural text in Buddhism: In Buddhism, a "sutra" refers to a discourse or sermon traditionally ascribed to the Buddha or one of his close disciples, forming a major part of the Buddhist canon.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali are a foundational text for the practice of yoga.
  • Monks gathered to chant from the Heart Sutra, an important Mahayana Buddhist text.
  • The scholar studied the ancient sutra to understand its philosophical aphorism.

Advanced Usage

• "Sutra literature": Refers to the entire body of texts composed in the sutra style, characterized by brevity and a formulaic structure designed for memorization and oral transmission.
  • The Abhidharma is a later development of sutra literature, providing more systematic philosophical analysis.

Variants and Related Words

• Sutra-pitaka (n): Literally "basket of sutras," one of the three main divisions of the Buddhist canon (Tripitaka), containing the discourses of the Buddha.
• Sutric (adj): Pertaining to or of the nature of a sutra.
  • The sutric teachings form the core of the tradition.

Synonyms

• Aphorism: A concise statement of a principle or truth.
• Maxim: A short, pithy statement expressing a general truth or rule of conduct.
• Discourse: A formal, extended treatment of a subject (closer to the Buddhist usage).

Related Phrases

• "To expound a sutra": To explain or comment on the meaning of a sutra in detail.
  • The lama spent the afternoon expounding the Diamond Sutra to his students.

Noun

1. a rule or aphorism in Sanskrit literature or a group of aphoristic doctrinal summaries prepared for memorization