Shastrartha
/ˌʃɑː.strɑːrˈθə/noun
A formal religious or philosophical debate, especially one conducted according to scriptural learning.
Did you know?In classical Indian intellectual culture, shastrartha could function as a public test of spiritual and philosophical authority, with victory traditionally demonstrating mastery of scripture and reasoning.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*sek̑- / *sēǵ-
“A proposed ancestral root associated with cutting or dividing, sometimes connected to Sanskrit śāstra through the idea of an instrument or rule; this derivation is debated.”
Vedic Sanskrit
Sanskrit
śās-
“To instruct, command, discipline, or teach.”
Classical Sanskrit
Sanskrit
śāstra
“Instruction, rule, treatise, or authoritative scripture.”
Classical Sanskrit
Sanskrit
artha
“Meaning, purpose, object, value, or goal.”
Classical Sanskrit
Sanskrit
śāstrārtha
“The meaning or interpretation of scripture; a discussion or debate concerning scriptural doctrine.”
Modern English
English
shastrartha
“A formal religious or philosophical debate, borrowed from Sanskrit and used especially in discussions of Indian traditions.”