sutras
Condensed spiritual teachings
Sutras are ancient texts in Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism—collections of aphorisms or teachings on philosophy, ritual, or practice.
The word comes from Sanskrit for "thread," suggesting how these brief statements string together wisdom.
In Western usage, sutra often refers specifically to Buddhist scriptures: the Heart Sutra, the Lotus Sutra.
The Kama Sutra, a treatise on love and sexuality, is the most widely known in English. (Capitalized Sutras may appear in titles.)
Cosmic moral order
- karmaSpiritual cause and effect
- nirvanaRelease from cyclical existence
- mokshaRelease from rebirth cycle
- samsaraCycle of rebirth
enlightenment · meditation · mantra · reincarnation · chakra · devotion · ascetic · monk
Sacred religious writings
- manuscriptOriginal text before publication
- scrollWound document of parchment
- canonAccepted authoritative works
- verseMetered poetic passage
aphorism · teaching · doctrine · discourse · commentary · translation · recitation · chanting
Terse general truth
- preceptRule governing behavior
- teachingProfession of instructing others
- maximBrief moral principle
- principleFundamental truth or standard
guideline · truth · insight · contemplation · reflection · instruction · philosophy · understanding
dharma
Cosmic moral order
- karmaSpiritual cause and effect
- nirvanaRelease from cyclical existence
- mokshaRelease from rebirth cycle
samsara · enlightenment · meditation · mantra · reincarnation · chakra · devotion · ascetic · monk · guru
scripture
Sacred religious writings
- manuscriptOriginal text before publication
- scrollWound document of parchment
- canonAccepted authoritative works
verse · aphorism · teaching · doctrine · discourse · commentary · translation · recitation · chanting · vinaya
aphorism
Terse general truth
principle · guideline · truth · insight · contemplation · reflection · instruction · philosophy · understanding · discernment
- Sanskrit textsVedas, Upanishads, Mahabharata, Ramayana, Bhagavad Gita
- literary workspoems, novels, poetry, fiction, plays
- Buddhist devotionBuddhist prayers, morning prayers, healing prayers, peace prayers, offering prayers
sutrascommentaries
Explanatory notes on texts
treatises · exegesis · glosses · elaborations · exegeses
- Kama SutraSanskrit treatise on erotic love