Shastra
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Śāstra ( ) is a Sanskrit word that means "precept, rules, manual, compendium, book or treatise" in a general sense. The word is generally used as a suffix in the Indian literature context, for technical or specialized knowledge in a defined area of practice.
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8 sectionsContents
- Etymology
- Terminology
- References in the early texts
- Chronology and authenticity
- Sutra
- See also
- Notes
- References
Śāstra ( ) is a Sanskrit word that means "precept, rules, manual, compendium, book or treatise" in a general sense. The word is generally used as a suffix in the Indian literature context, for technical or specialized knowledge in a defined area of practice.
Śāstra has a similar meaning to English -logy, e.g. ecology, psychology, meaning scientific and basic knowledge on a particular subject. Examples in terms of modern neologisms include 'physics', Rasashastra| 'chemistry', 'biology', Vastu shastra| 'architectural science', Shilpa shastras| 'science of mechanical arts and sculpture', Arthashastra| 'science of politics and economics', 'compendium of ethics or right policy', and natyasāstra 'art of performing arts.'