sutrasutta

Sutrasutta is a term used in some Buddhist traditions, particularly within the Pali Canon, to refer to a discourse or teaching given by the Buddha or his disciples. The word "sutta" itself is Pali for "thread" or "discourse," and it is often translated as "sutra" in Sanskrit, which also means "thread" or "aphorism." These sutras are considered authoritative teachings on various aspects of Buddhist doctrine, practice, and ethics.

The sutras are typically organized into collections, the most prominent being the Sutta Pitaka, one of the three major divisions of the Pali Canon. Within the Sutta Pitaka, there are further divisions such as the Digha Nikaya (Long Discourses), Majjhima Nikaya (Middle-Length Discourses), Samyutta Nikaya (Connected Discourses), and Anguttara Nikaya (Numerical Discourses). Each sutra is a distinct teaching, often presented in a narrative format, explaining principles of the Four Noble Truths, the Noble Eightfold Path, karma, rebirth, and the nature of reality.

These texts are not merely philosophical treatises but are intended to guide practitioners towards liberation from suffering. They often include dialogues, parables, and detailed explanations designed to be understood and applied in daily life. The preservation and study of sutras have been central to the transmission and development of Buddhist thought across various cultures and centuries, forming the bedrock of Buddhist scriptural tradition for many schools.