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

Instead of taking some particular book or books in the canon, shastra, or sutra, selection or collection, as a basis, the Chinese monk Chi-sha first mastered, and then digested the whole canon.

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

After long study they returned, bringing the Chinese translation of this shastra into Japan.

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