Atyantashunya, Atyantaśūnya, Atyanta-shunya: 1 definition
Introduction:
Atyantashunya 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.
The Sanskrit term Atyantaśūnya can be transliterated into English as Atyantasunya or Atyantashunya, using the IAST transliteration scheme (?).
In Buddhism
Mahayana (major branch of Buddhism)
Source: Wisdom Library: Maha Prajnaparamita SastraAtyantaśūnya (अत्यन्तशून्य) refers to a “absolute emptiness”, according to the 2nd century Mahāprajñāpāramitāśāstra chapter 46.—Accordingly, “[...] Having entered into [the patience towards beings], [the Yogin] has the following thought:—According to the Dharma preached by the Buddhas of the ten directions, there is no self and no ‘mine’, it is only an assemblage of Dharmas designated under the name of ‘a being’. [...] It is the same for the body: it is just an arrangement of skin and bone that turns with the wind of the mind; being born and perishing from moment to moment, it is impermanent, empty and pacified. No one is acting, no one is cursing, no one is undergoing curses for, from beginning to end, there is absolute emptiness (atyantaśūnya); it is only by error and falsehood that worldly people are attached in their minds to it. [...]”.
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.
See also (Relevant definitions)
Partial matches: Shunya, Atyanta.
Starts with: Atyantashunyata.
Full-text: Shunyata.
Relevant text
Search found 1 books and stories containing Atyantashunya, Atyantaśūnya, Atyanta-shunya, Atyanta-śūnya, Atyantasunya, Atyanta-sunya; (plurals include: Atyantashunyas, Atyantaśūnyas, shunyas, śūnyas, Atyantasunyas, sunyas). You can also click to the full overview containing English textual excerpts. Below are direct links for the most relevant articles:
Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra (by Gelongma Karma Migme Chödrön)
Part 1 - Definition and division of patience (kṣānti) < [Chapter XXIV - The Virtue of Patience]
Part 6 - Why does the Buddha also speak about contentious subjects? < [Chapter I - Explanation of Arguments]
II. ‘Inexhaustible’ root < [Part 4 - Planting inexhaustible roots of good]