Abhavasvabhava, Abhāvasvabhāva, Abhava-svabhava: 1 definition

Introduction:

Abhavasvabhava 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.

In Buddhism

Mahayana (major branch of Buddhism)

[«previous next»] — Abhavasvabhava in Mahayana glossary
Source: Wisdom Library: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra

Abhāvasvabhāva (अभावस्वभाव) or Abhāvasvabhāvaśūnyatā refers to the “emptiness of non-existence and of existence”, representing one of the sixteen or eighteen emptinesses (śūnyatā), according to the 2nd century Mahāprajñāpāramitāśāstra chapter XLVIII. Accordingly, “what is the emptiness of non-existence and of existence (abhāvasvabhāvaśūnyatā)? There is no nature that is a combination [of existence and non-existence] since all dharmas are produced in dependence [on causes and conditions]. This [alleged] combination is empty of combination because it is neither eternal nor transitory. Why? Because such is its essence. That is called: emptiness of non-existence and self existence (abhāvasvabhāva-śūnyatā)”.

Mahayana book cover
context information

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.

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