shastra

American  

[shahs-truh] / ˈʃɑs trə /

noun

1. any of the sacred books of Hinduism.

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shastra British  

/ ˈʃɑːstrə, ˈʃɑːstə /

noun

1. any of the sacred writings of Hinduism

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Other Word Forms

• shastraik adjective
• shastrik adjective

Etymology

Origin of shastra

First recorded in 1620–30, shastra is from the Sanskrit word śāstra

Example Sentences

One brief delay occurred when Indian officials pointed out that Singapore’s first blueprint for the city did not align with vastu shastra, an ancient Hindu system of architecture designed to achieve harmony with nature.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 18, 2018

They did not form an independent sect; but the doctrines of this shastra, being eclectic, were studied by all Japanese Buddhist sects.

From The Religions of Japan From the Dawn of History to the Era of Méiji by Griffis, William Elliot

Then a shastra or institute of Buddhist ontology in nine chapters, was composed, the title of which in English, is, Book of the Treasury of Metaphysics.

From The Religions of Japan From the Dawn of History to the Era of Méiji by Griffis, William Elliot

This Ku-sha shastra, from the Sanskrit kosa, a store, is eclectic, and contains nine chapters embodying the views of one of the schools, with selections from those of others.

From The Religions of Japan From the Dawn of History to the Era of Méiji by Griffis, William Elliot

This shastra was the work of a Hindu whose name means Lion-armor, and who lived about nine centuries after Gautama.

From The Religions of Japan From the Dawn of History to the Era of Méiji by Griffis, William Elliot