Significance of Sutra
Synonyms: Text, Scripture, Aphorism, Doctrine, Teaching, Guideline, Rule., Canon, Scriptures, Teachings
In German: Sutra; In Finnish: Sutra; In Spanish: Sutra; In Swedish: Sutra; In Malay: Sutra; In French: Sutra; In Dutch: Soetra
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Sutra'
In Buddhism, "Sutra" signifies sacred scriptures containing the teachings of the Buddha. These texts guide practitioners in understanding the Dharma, encapsulating crucial teachings, often presented in verse form, for study and spiritual practice.
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) Sutra refers to texts that accurately express meaning, serving as sacred scriptures, including those in the four Agamas and Mahayanasutras.[1] (2) A set of teachings or scriptures in Buddhism, from which the narrative about the Buddha and the storm is derived.[2] (3) Scriptural texts in Buddhism that summarize teachings, often in the form of dialogues, like the one in question.[3] (4) A religious text or scripture that typically contains teachings or dialogues important in Buddhist philosophy.[4] (5) A scriptural text that presents the teachings of Buddhism, particularly as recounted by the Buddha.[5]
From: Shurangama Sutra (with commentary) (English)
(1) A text or discourse that conveys spiritual teachings and wisdom, referred to throughout the passage.[6] (2) A scripture that compiles the teachings of the Buddha, linked to the principles of enlightenment and practical methods for realization.[7] (3) The central text being referenced, which conveys spiritual teachings and philosophies.[8] (4) A recorded teaching or guidance from Buddhism, specifically addressing spiritual practice or principles.[9] (5) Texts that encapsulate the teachings and principles of the Buddha, which practitioners should study and recite for proper understanding and cultivation.[10]
From: Mahavastu (great story)
(1) A sacred text in Buddhism that records the teachings of the Buddha.[11] (2) A type of scripture or discourse in Buddhism containing teachings attributed to the Buddha.[12] (3) A Buddhist scripture or text that contains teachings attributed to the Buddha.[13]
From: Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva Purvapranidhana Sutra
(1) The teachings and discourses attributed to the Buddha, which guide beings on the path to enlightenment.[14] (2) The scriptures or texts in Buddhism that record the teachings of the Buddha and can guide practitioners on their spiritual journey.[15] (3) Scriptures or texts in Buddhism that contain teachings and discourses spoken by the Buddha or his followers.[16]
From: Mahayana Mahaparinirvana Sutra
(1) A type of scripture in Buddhism that contains teachings of the Buddha and is used for study and practice among followers.[17] (2) Buddhist scriptures that contain teachings of the Buddha, often recited and expounded upon for the purpose of understanding the Dharma.[18]
From: Lotus Sutra (Saddharma-Pundarika)
(1) A Buddhist scripture that contains teachings attributed to the Buddha, conveying deep philosophical insights and practices.[19] (2) Sacred texts belonging to Buddhism that contain the teachings of the Buddha.[20]
From: Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva fundamental vow sutra
(1) Sacred texts of Buddhism that contain teachings of the Buddha and are recited as part of spiritual practice.[21]
From: Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva (Sutra of the Great Vow)
(1) Sacred texts that may be recited as part of spiritual practices to benefit the dying or deceased, emphasizing the importance of Buddhist teachings.[22]
From: The 6th Patriarch Platform Sutra
(1) The elementary texts and scriptures in Buddhism that convey teachings and guide practitioners on the path to enlightenment.[23]
From: Avatamsaka Sutra (flower adornment sutra)鈥擯reface
(1) Textual scriptures in Buddhism that are considered teachings of the Buddha, which are inexhaustible and encompassing.[24]
From: Bodhisattvacharyavatara
(1) Sacred texts or scriptures in Buddhist tradition that contain teachings.[25]
From: Blue Annals (deb-ther sngon-po)
(1) Scriptural texts that contain various characteristics and teachings of the Buddha, important in the framework of sgam po pa's teachings.[26] (2) The teachings attributed to the Buddha, forming the foundational texts of Buddhism that are often commented upon by scholars.[27] (3) Sacred texts in Buddhism, typically written in a concise format that conveys teachings attributed to the Buddha.[28] (4) Sacred texts in Buddhism that were studied by chos kyi bzang po, highlighting his dedication to religious scholarship.[29] (5) Sacred texts in Buddhism which often contain teachings of the Buddha, some of which provide context for the Vinaya.[30]
From: Tattvasangraha [with commentary]
(1) A statement or verse within a text that encapsulates philosophical or doctrinal teachings, referenced in the context of Number.[31]
From: Maha Buddhavamsa鈥擳he Great Chronicle of Buddhas
(1) A type of scripture; Sona studied the Sutta-nipata during his monastic life.[32]
From: Dhammapada (translated from the Pali)
(1) The canonical scriptures of Buddhism, which include teachings and doctrines alongside the Dhammapada.[33]
From: Milindapanha (questions of King Milinda)
(1) A term often used to denote the discourses or teachings attributed to the Buddha.[34]
From: The Fo-Sho-Hing-Tsan-King (A Life of Buddha)
(1) Scriptures and teachings in Buddhism, often characterized by their philosophy and practice.[35]
From: The Great Chariot
(1) Sacred texts that document the teachings of the Buddha, including descriptions of the benefits and activities of the nirmanakayas.[36]
Hindu concept of 'Sutra'
In Hinduism, Sutra denotes a concise text genre containing aphorisms that serve as guidelines for practices, conveying complex philosophical ideas in a logical sequence and linking various aspects of existence and understanding within a spiritual framework.
From: Brahma Sutras (Ramanuja)
(1) A text or statement that addresses the demolition of the Sankhya doctrine which is not accepted by the Veda.[37] (2) A concise statement or aphorism which guides interpretations and discussions of the Vedanta texts, often clarifying complex teachings.[38] (3) The Sutra refers to a specific philosophical proposition or text that argues against the idea that the 'eater' is the individual soul.[39] (4) A short statement or aphorism in Hindu or Buddhist philosophy that provides wisdom or guidance, referenced in the context of meditation practices.[40] (5) A concise aphorism or statement in Indian philosophy, often used to convey complex ideas succinctly, and to which further explanations are typically appended.[41]
From: Brahma Sutras (Shankaracharya)
(1) The Sutra expresses in the words, 'for it denies the suchness which forms the topic of discussion'. The Sutra also gives another argument establishing the same conclusion, 'and the text enounces something more than that,' and the words of the Sutra must be taken to refer to the name mentioned in the text, 'Then comes the name, the True of the True; the senses being the True and he the True of them'.[42] (2) This provides an additional reason for the rejection of the interpretation of the previous statement, indicating a contradiction is the reason for the rejection.[43] (3) The text references a specific text that emphasizes the role of actions in supporting knowledge, highlighting a particular point of view regarding the connection between actions and understanding.[44] (4) The Sutra is referenced to provide the context of the discussion about the independence of the agnis piled of mind, and to explain the meaning of 'and so on'.[45] (5) The Sutra is to be understood with reference to the distinction of the individual Self and the highest Self, which results from Nescience, and it assumes the three topics of question and explanation.[46]
From: Brahma Sutras (Shankara Bhashya)
(1) Apostolic aphorisms meant to serve as memory aids for discussions on topics which students study with their teachers.[47] (2) A term referring to the aphorisms or succinct statements that encapsulate philosophical teachings, including those about discarding deeds.[48]
From: Brihadaranyaka Upanishad
(1) The thread or principle that connects all lives and beings, described as Vayu, holding them together.[49] (2) A term referring to a concise statement or aphorism that captures core philosophical teachings, often serving as a foundational element in philosophical discourses.[50]
From: Thirty minor Upanishads
(1) The supreme thread that connects all beings, indicating the essential unity of existence.[51] (2) A thread or connection to the supreme reality, symbolically representing knowledge and the essence of being within the spiritual context.[52]
From: Taittiriya Upanishad
(1) The foundational principle connecting the Universal Self to both gross and subtle aspects of the universe.[53]
From: Vakyapadiya of Bhartrihari
(1) A succinct rule or aphorism in the context of Sanskrit grammar that serves as a guiding principle for the formation of language elements.[54] (2) A concise statement or aphorism in Sanskrit literature that serves as a rule or guideline.[55] (3) Refers to P.3.3.131, which provides guidance on the concept of 'nearness to the present' and the expressiveness of the present.[56] (4) A fundamental rule or principle in the grammar text that serves as the foundation for further elaboration and understanding.[57] (5) A concise statement or aphorism in the text that serves as a basis for discussion and interpretation.[58]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) A concise or aphoristic statement within the text, often referring to broader philosophical or ritual concepts that guide the understanding of sacrifices.[59]
From: Vasistha Dharmasutra
(1) A concise and aphoristic statement used in ancient Indian texts, serving as foundational elements of larger philosophical or legal doctrines.[60]
From: Gautama Dharmasutra
(1) Concise aphoristic statements that summarize ideas in Hindu philosophy, law, or rituals, often forming the basis of larger texts.[61]
From: Hiranyakesi-grihya-sutra
(1) Refers to the sacred texts that are authored by various individuals, as mentioned in the text.[62]
From: Khadira-grihya-sutra
(1) Deliberate aphoristic statements that form the core structure of the Grihya-sutras and are arranged by the compiler for clarity and succinctness.[63]
From: Apastamba Dharma-sutra
(1) Concise aphoristic statements that serve as guidelines or rules in the context of Hindu rituals and legal codes.[64]
From: Baudhayana Dharmasutra
(1) A genre of texts that serves as aphoristic rules and guidelines for Brahmanical practices, with Baudhayana's being partially preserved but corrupt in later manuscripts.[65]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) A concise statement or aphorism in Sanskrit literature, often the basis for philosophical discussion.[66] (2) The teachings or texts that Lord Vishvarupa is explaining.[67] (3) A Sanskrit term referring to concise aphorisms or teachings that form the basis of Indian philosophical texts.[68] (4) A collection of teachings or verses presented in a succinct form, typically concerning spiritual or philosophical topics.[69] (5) A sutra refers to a concise statement or rule, often used in literature and philosophy.[70]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) The subtle aspect of the Divine that connects to the cosmos, facilitating the manifestation of the universe's structure.[71] (2) Guidelines or formulas that dictate specific practices during the Brahma Yajna.[72] (3) A concise statement of spiritual truths, often used in the context of meditation.[73]
From: Bhagavad-gita-rahasya (or Karma-yoga Shastra)
(1) A set of aphorisms or concise statements in philosophical texts that convey fundamental concepts of the Samkhya and Nyaya schools.[74]
From: Padarthadharmasamgraha and Nyayakandali
(1) A reference text that serves as an authoritative source to illustrate the qualities inherent in Space.[75] (2) A foundational text that provides definitions and explanations for the ideas related to Conjunction and its applications.[76] (3) Scriptural verses mentioned as references to support the qualities of Fire.[77] (4) A concise statement or formula in the context of traditional texts that outline philosophical or logical concepts.[78]
From: Shakti and Shakta
(1) Abbreviated texts or aphorisms that encapsulate essential teachings and guidelines within various Indian spiritual traditions.[79] (2) Scriptural texts recited by Buddhas representing Orthodox teachings distinct from Tantras.[80] (3) A Sutra is a concise aphorism or set of principles that outlines philosophical concepts or spiritual practices in Indian traditions, often forming the basis for further explanation.[81]
From: Parama Samhita (English translation)
(1) Textual formulations that likely systematized the teachings of the Pancaratra tradition during a later age.[82]
From: Natyashastra (English)
(1) An aphoristic statement or formula in the Natyashastra, which may not always be presented in a prose format as traditionally understood.[83]
From: Vastu-shastra (Introduction to Indian architecture)
(1) Guidelines provided for the handling of bricks and masonry tools to achieve proper construction.[84]
From: Satapatha-brahmana
(1) Textual compilations that offer guidelines and explanations for Vedic rituals, including those associated with sacrifice.[85]
From: Kathasaritsagara (the Ocean of Story)
(1) Sacred texts that did not denounce the practice of polyandry, differentiating it from the views held by Aryans.[86]
Jain concept of 'Sutra'
In Jainism, the term "Sutra" signifies concise statements or aphorisms that encapsulate essential teachings, stages of purification, and ethical practices, serving as foundational texts for spiritual understanding and guidance within the faith.
From: Tattvartha Sutra (with commentary)
(1) A succinct statement or verse in the context of philosophical or spiritual texts that conveys significant meaning or instruction.[87] (2) Sutra refers to a statement or aphorism in the scripture that conveys important teachings or principles about the nature of the divine and their lifetimes.[88] (3) The concise statement or aphorism from which the broader implications regarding the mind and beings are derived, in this case relating to 'samanaskah'.[89] (4) A series of aphorisms or teachings in Jain literature that Tanisha will memorize.[90] (5) The reference to a specific statement or verse from scripture that conveys the essential teachings regarding the luminary deva.[91]
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) Textual materials that contain teachings or doctrines, some of which are cited or referenced in the narrative.[92] (2) A masculine noun meaning a name of province; indicates administrative areas.[93] (3) A rule or aphorism, especially in the context of Indian philosophy or spirituality.[94] (4) Analyzes divisions or stages of purification that a jiva must navigate to reach higher spiritual states.[95]
From: Bhagavati-sutra (Viyaha-pannatti)
(1) Sacred texts in which philosophical teachings and ethical guidelines are outlined regarding various aspects of life and existence.[96] (2) The teachings and texts that outline the ethical and spiritual practices, which Skandaka wishes to learn from Mahavira.[97]
The concept of Sutra in local and regional sources
Sutra encompasses various sacred texts in Buddhism and Jainism, serving as concise aphorisms that convey profound teachings, often demanding extensive commentary. They play a pivotal role in both religious practice and philosophical understanding.
From: History of Science in South Asia
(1) This is the thread used in the practice of neti, where it is threaded through the nostrils.[98] (2) Sutra refers to the books of the Shvetambara Jaina canon, like the Bhagavati Sutra and the Sthananga Sutra, which are composed in Arddha-Magadhi Prakrit, and are considered encyclopaedic works.[99] (3) This refers to a religious text, and is mentioned in the provided text, and used as a source for information.[100]
From: Triveni Journal
(1) Concise statements or aphorisms that encapsulate the teachings of the Indian philosophical systems, often requiring extensive commentary for interpretation.[101] (2) Sacred texts in Buddhism that encapsulate the teachings of the Buddha.[102]
From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda
(1) These are the aphorisms of Vyasa which are, in modern India, the basis of the Vedanta philosophy, and have been variously explained by different commentators.[103]
From: Buddhist records of the Western world (Xuanzang)
(1) A genre of sacred texts in Buddhism that expounds various teachings, including those understood by Asanga and his disciples.[104]