Asaṃkhyeya

An asankhyeya (Sanskrit: असंख्येय) is a Hindu/Buddhist name for the number 10140 or alternatively for the number 10^{(a\cdot2^b)} as it is listed in the Avatamsaka Sutra.[1] Depending on the translation, the value is different. It is 10^{(5\cdot2^{103})} in the translation of Buddhabhadra, 10^{(7\cdot2^{103})} in that of Shikshananda and 10^{(10\cdot2^{104})} in that of Thomas Cleary, who may have made an error in calculation.

Asamkhyeya is a Sanskrit word that appears often in the Buddhist texts. For example, Shakyamuni Buddha is said to have practiced for three great asamkhyeya kalpas before becoming a Buddha. Asamkhyeya means ‘incalculable’.[2]

The word "asaṃkhyeya" literally means "innumerable" in the sense of "infinite" in Sanskrit.[1] It is also a title of Vishnu and of Shiva. The word comes up in Vishnu Sahasranama Stanza 27, "Asankyeyo-aprameyaatmaa:" one who has innumerable names and forms.

See also

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Garg, Ganga Ram (October 1, 1992). Encyclopaedia of the Hindu World: Ar-Az. South Asia Books. ISBN 8170223768.
  2. ↑ Yong, Bhikshu Jin. "How Large is One Asamkhyeya" (PDF). Vajra Bodhi Sea (November 2008): 42–44. Retrieved 24 November 2013.