Sutra

Sutra

सूत्र sūtra

"thread, fiber, connecting line" (from सिव् siv – "to sew")

Sutra is a sacred thread or cord worn by the twice-born (Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas); that which, like a thread, permeates or holds everything together; a rule, law, order, guidance, direction; a short saying, aphorism.

​​Sutras also refer to a number of texts on philosophy, yoga, Sanskrit grammar, ritual rules, and art. These texts consist of a collection of laconic sayings, linked together like threads.

The brevity of the presentation in such texts makes it difficult for an uninitiated person to understand the essence of what was said. Therefore, for the correct interpretation and deep understanding of the essence of the sayings, comments on the main text are especially valuable, and belonging to the parampara of the corresponding teaching is even more important.

Each tradition may have different collections of sutras containing different principles and rules, for example:

In Vedanta, one of the most important treatises is "Vedanta-sutras", or "Brahma-sutras", which are the essence of all Vedic texts.

Vedanga "Kalpa", the guidelines for conducting Vedic rituals, is presented in the form of sutras, which are divided into:

— "Shrauta-sutras" based on shruti ("heard"), which specify the rules for performing sacrificial ceremonies; and

— "Smarta-sutras" based on tradition, or smriti ("remembered"), which in turn are divided into Grihya-sutras (rules of household rituals) and Dharma-sutras (social customs and duties).

In the philosophy of Kashmir Shaivism, there is a famous foundational treatise of the tradition, which has survived to this day – "Shiva-sutras", as well as "Vatulanatha-sutras" (Shakta Krama tradition).

The Shaivite text is "Anubhava-sutra".

The yoga treatise "Yoga Sutras" by Patanjali is widely known.

The Vyakarana contains "Maheshvara-sutrani", which contain 14 sutras from the letters of the Sanskrit alphabet, which are the basis for Panini's subsequent work Ashtadhyaya, also created in the form of sutras. The Panini-sutras, in turn, are the basis of an extensive grammatical literature.

In the realm of art, there is the canon of painting – "Chitra-sutra".

In Jyotish, there are "Jaimini-sutras", "Bhrigu-sutras", and others.