A sutra (Sanskrit for “thread”) is a written work in the belief systems of Hinduism, Jainism, and Buddhism which is understood to accurately preserve important teachings of the respective faiths and guide an adherent on the path from ignorance and entrapment in the endless cycle of rebirth and death (samsara) toward spiritual liberation.
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Definition
Timeline
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c. 100 BCEBuddhist sutras began to be written down in Pali.
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c. 50 BCE - c. 600 CEThe Perfection of Wisdom texts are written by Mahayana Buddhist sages in India; expounding upon the central vision of the Buddha.
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148 CEAn Shigao is the first Buddhist translator mentioned in Chinese sources who established a translation centre in the Chinese imperial capital, Luoyang.
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c. 200 CEThe Buddhist Lotus Sutra is written down in Pali language.
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c. 200 CE - c. 400 CEThe Buddhist Nirvana Sutra is written down in Pali language.
