Asaṃkhyeya

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Short description: Buddhist name for a large number

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

See also

References

  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". Vajra Bodhi Sea (November 2008): 42–44. http://www.drbachinese.org/vbs/publish/462/vbs462p042.pdf. Retrieved 24 November 2013.