Raktasutra, Raktasūtra, Rakta-sutra: 1 definition
Introduction:
Raktasutra means something in Buddhism, Pali. If you want to know the exact meaning, history, etymology or English translation of this term then check out the descriptions on this page. Add your comment or reference to a book if you want to contribute to this summary article.
In Buddhism
Mahayana (major branch of Buddhism)
Source: De Gruyter: A Buddhist Ritual Manual on AgricultureRaktasūtra (रक्तसूत्र) refers to a “red thread” (suitable for enchantment ceremonies), according to the Vajratuṇḍasamayakalparāja, an ancient Buddhist ritual manual on agriculture from the 5th-century (or earlier), containing various instructions for the Sangha to provide agriculture-related services to laypeople including rain-making, weather control and crop protection.—Accordingly, [as the Bhagavān teaches various Nāga-enchantments], “[...] At the time of drought the mantra should be written on strips of cloth, and having encircled [these] with red thread (raktasūtra), twenty-one knots should be made, and it should be bound around the neck of the Nāga image. The head of the Nāga should be enchanted twenty-one times. At that moment they send down rain showers. They make rains as long as it is wished. [...]”.
Mahayana (महायान, mahāyāna) is a major branch of Buddhism focusing on the path of a Bodhisattva (spiritual aspirants/ enlightened beings). Extant literature is vast and primarely composed in the Sanskrit language. There are many sūtras of which some of the earliest are the various Prajñāpāramitā sūtras.
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The Mahavastu (great story) (by J. J. Jones)