Significance of Innumerable kalpas
In Mahayana Buddhism, innumerable kalpas signifies an immeasurable span of time that represents eternity and reflects the Buddha's commitment to staying in the world for the benefit of others. This concept encompasses long durations during which bodhisattvas provide help, heal beings, and pursue wisdom through experiences of suffering. It also highlights the extensive periods over which Buddhas save beings and the cycles of life, death, and rebirth that influence beliefs and perceptions about the Buddha.
Synonyms: Countless aeons, Infinite ages
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Innumerable kalpas'
Innumerable kalpas in Buddhism signifies vast periods of time reflecting the accumulation of beings' faults, Buddhas' salvific efforts, the bodhisattva's healing, and the eternal cycles of existence, embodying both suffering and the pursuit of enlightenment.
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) An immeasurable period of time during which the bodhisattva has experienced suffering and performed deeds in pursuit of wisdom and enlightenment.[1] (2) Long periods of time over which the bodhisattva has provided help and healing to beings.[2] (3) An immense span of time during which beings have built up serious faults, affecting their beliefs and perceptions of the Buddha.[3] (4) An immeasurable span of time or aeons that signifies the vast periods Buddhas have saved beings.[4]
From: Shurangama Sutra (with commentary) (English)
(1) Refers to vast periods of time across many lifetimes during which beings undergo cycles of life, death, and rebirth.[5]
From: Mahayana Mahaparinirvana Sutra
(1) An immeasurable span of time used in Buddhist cosmology to represent eternity; implies the Buddha's willingness to remain in the world for a significant period for others' sake.[6]