If the rules of your favourite Club or Society seem confusing, take a look at this list of different kinds of rules (sutras) from ancient India. Only four different kinds are needed. These sutras are short statements. When they are put together to form a string (sutra) of statements, the resulting text is called "So-and-so Sutra", in Sanksrit. In English, the text is often called "The So-and-so Sutras". Here are the four kinds.


Definition. This is especially needed when words are used in a technical sense. Sometimes a word is invented for a special purpose.


Rule. This is for rules proper.


Context. This sets the context for a following sutra or group of sutras.


Explanation. This includes sutras giving instructions for applying some of the rules.

I find this list helpful. A definition may not tell us what to do, but it may be essential for the rest of the document. In modern documents, of course, the context may be set by simply using a sub-heading. It can still be thought of as a useful rule, bringing clarity. Similarly for explanations.

Last updated: 29 July 2008