shastra

noun

shas·​tra
variants or sastra
ˈshästrə
plural -s
often capitalized
: the sacred scriptures of Hinduism consisting of four categories of text, the sruti, smriti, purana, and tantra
shastraic
(ˈ)shä¦strāik
adjective often capitalized

Word History

Etymology

Sanskrit śāstra, literally, instruction, from śāsti he punishes, instructs; akin to Avestan sāsti he teaches

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Cite this Entry

“Shastra.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shastra. Accessed 18 Dec. 2024.

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