Śruta
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śruta (T. ཐོས་པ་) means to hear, learn, study and understand.[1]
The term is used in the following contexts:
- śrutamayīprajñā, the wisdom of listening/studying
- śrutadhanam, the wealth of listening/studying
- one of the six powers that aid in shamatha
In the context of listening, contemplating and meditating, 'listening' means receiving oral teachings and studying scriptures in order to clear away ignorance and wrong views.[1]
Buddhism began as an oral tradition. When the Buddhist teachings were only available in oral form, hearing the recitation of the teachings was the only way to learn. Nowadays, reading the teachings is also possible.[1]
