Asaṃkhyeya Explained
An (sa|असंख्येय) is a Buddhist name for the number 10140, or alternatively for the number
as it is described in the
Avatamsaka Sutra.
[1] The value of the number is different depending upon the translation. It is
in the translation of Buddhabhadra,
in that of Shikshananda and
in that of
Thomas Cleary, who may have made an error in calculation. In these religious traditions, the word has the meaning of 'incalculable'.
[2] Asaṃkhyeya is a Sanskrit word that appears often in the Buddhist texts. For example, Shakyamuni Buddha is said to have practiced for 4 great asaṃkhyeya kalpas before becoming a Buddha.
See also
Notes and References
- Book: Garg, Ganga Ram . October 1, 1992 . Encyclopaedia of the Hindu World: Ar-Az. South Asia Books. 8170223768 .
- Yong . Bhikshu Jin . How Large is One Asamkhyeya . Vajra Bodhi Sea . November 2008 . 42–44 . 24 November 2013.
