SHASTRAS Meaning and
Definition
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Shastra is a term derived from Sanskrit, which refers to a body of ancient Indian texts that serve as authoritative sources of knowledge and principles in various fields such as religion, philosophy, law, science, and art. These texts are considered essential guides for human conduct and are believed to be the result of divine revelation or profound insights by sages and scholars.
Shastra encompasses a wide range of subjects, covering disciplines like astrology, Ayurveda (traditional Indian medicine), mathematics, architecture, music, dance, yoga, and warfare. These texts provide comprehensive guidelines, methods, and principles to follow in order to excel in these areas of study and practice.
Written in various ancient Indian languages such as Sanskrit and Prakrit, shastras are often written in verse or prose and include philosophical treatises, commentaries, manuals, and instructional guides. They have been passed down through generations and preserved by scholars, scribes, and oral transmission, leading to various interpretations and commentaries on the original texts.
Shastra reflects the wisdom and accumulated knowledge of generations of scholars and practitioners, making them a valuable source for understanding ancient Indian culture, traditions, and practices. Often considered sacred and divine revelations, these texts have played a significant role in shaping the spiritual, intellectual, and social fabric of India throughout history.
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Literally, ordinances; the sacred laws or institutes of the Hindoos-see sastra.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for SHASTRAS
- shastra
- shastraa
- shastrah
- shastrers
- shasteras
- shastres
- ahastras
- zhastras
- xhastras
- dhastras
- ehastras
- whastras
- sgastras
- sbastras
- snastras
- sjastras
- suastras
- syastras
- shzstras
- shsstras
Etymology of SHASTRAS
The word "shastras" has its etymology in Sanskrit, an ancient Indo-Aryan language of India. In Sanskrit, "shastra" (शास्त्र) is derived from the root word "shas" which means to govern, rule, or command. The suffix "-tra" is added to the root word to signify an instrument or a treatise. Therefore, "shastra" can be translated as "an instrument or treatise of ruling or governing".
In Hinduism, the term "shastras" is primarily used to refer to ancient scriptures or texts that provide guidance and knowledge in various fields such as philosophy, law, medicine, arts, and rituals.
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