Buddhism
What is a Sutra: The Written Teachings of the Buddha
· 7 min read
A guide to Buddhist sutras: what they are, their origin, their main types, and how they are used in practice.
Definition
A sutra (Sanskrit) or sutta (Pali) is a discourse attributed to the Buddha or his principal disciples. In the Buddhist tradition, sutras are the primary source of teaching.
Origin
The sutras were transmitted orally for centuries after the Buddha's death. They were put in writing at different times:
- Pali Canon (Theravada): 1st c. CE in Sri Lanka
- Tibetan Canon (Kangyur): 7th-13th c. CE
- Chinese Canon (Taisho): 1st-10th c. CE
Types of Sutras
In the Pali Canon (Theravada)
The Pali Canon is organized in five Nikayas (collections).
In the Mahayana
Mahayana sutras are generally more extensive and poetic.
In the Vajrayana
In addition to the sutras, there are tantras.
How Sutras Are Used
- Devotional reading
- Academic study
- Memorization recitation
- Basis of meditative practices
- Liturgy in monasteries
Sources
- Bhikkhu Bodhi: In the Buddha's Words
- Edward Conze: Buddhist Wisdom Books
- The Princeton Dictionary of Buddhism
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