sutra

su·tra | \ ˈsü-trə

How to pronounce sutra (audio)

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Definition of sutra

1 : a precept summarizing Vedic teaching also : a collection of these precepts

2 : one of the discourses of the Buddha that constitute the basic text of Buddhist scripture

Examples of sutra in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Then there was Mencius, Mahavira, Laozi and the Buddha — as he is portrayed in both the Pali Canon and the innovative Mahayana sutras, which may be the world’s first fan fiction. — Randy Rosenthal, Washington Post, "The art and ambiguity of the world’s scriptures," 20 Dec. 2019 Yoon’s work unfolds as a brilliant embodiment of the sutra’s meditation on emptiness. — Christopher Knight, latimes.com, "Review: LACMA’s ‘Art of Korean Writing’ reveals the brilliance in each brushstroke," 29 June 2019 The temple generated headlines in recent years for allowing monks to study sutras on iPads and building a robot in the shape of a pint-sized monk able to answer questions about Buddhism. — Fox News, "Leading Chinese Buddhist monk accused of sexual misconduct," 3 Aug. 2018 Soon after the movie opens, he is entrusted to copy a Buddhist sutra (a dialogue or sermon) that can liberate souls stuck in limbo. — Manohla Dargis, New York Times, "Review: ‘Legend of the Mountain,’ a Magical Mystery Marathon in Ancient China," 1 Feb. 2018 The duo shifts from one circus-sutra position to the next in a show of statuesque strength, as looky-loos and their little-loos drink cocktails and sodas and gobble popcorn and candy. — Holly Millea, Smithsonian, "Step Right Up! See the Reinvention of the Great American Circus!," 29 July 2017 The Hindu Hare Krishna chant, Tibetan monk chants, Buddhist sutras, prayers of Shamans from New Guinea or Mali, even American TV preachers are also available on the touch-screen display. — Kirsten Grieshaber, chicagotribune.com, "German airport offers prayer booth in 65 languages," 8 May 2017 The Hindu Hare Krishna chant, Tibetan monk chants, Buddhist sutras, prayers of Shamans from New Guinea or Mali, even American TV preachers are also available on the touch-screen display. — Kirsten Grieshaber, chicagotribune.com, "German airport offers prayer booth in 65 languages," 8 May 2017 The Hindu Hare Krishna chant, Tibetan monk chants, Buddhist sutras, prayers of Shamans from New Guinea or Mali, even American TV preachers are also available on the touch-screen display. — Kirsten Grieshaber, chicagotribune.com, "German airport offers prayer booth in 65 languages," 8 May 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'sutra.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Last Updated

30 Dec 2019

Cite this Entry

“Sutra.” The Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster Inc., https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sutra. Accessed 22 January 2020.

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