Sutra

Imagine you have a really important message that you want to tell your friend, but you can't just say it all at once because it's too complicated. Instead, you break it up into smaller, easier-to-understand parts. These shorter statements that make up the overall message are called "sutra."

"Sutra" is a word that comes from the Sanskrit language and it means "thread" or "string." Just like a thread or string is made up of many tiny fibers, a sutra is made up of many small statements that are strung together to make a larger message.

For example, let's say your friend wants to learn how to ride a bike. You might break down the instructions into smaller sutra statements that are easier for them to understand, such as "sit on the seat," "hold onto the handlebars," "pedal with your feet," and "keep your balance." Each of these statements is a sutra that makes up the overall message of how to ride a bike.

Sutras are often used in teachings of yoga and Buddhism to explain the principles of these practices in a simplified yet profound way. The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, for example, contains 195 sutras that detail the philosophy and techniques of yoga. Each sutra is concise and focused, making it easier for students to comprehend and remember the teachings.