Acinteyya: 1 definition
Introduction:
Acinteyya 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
Theravada (major branch of Buddhism)
Source: Pali Kanon: Manual of Buddhist Terms and Doctrineslit. 'That which cannot or should not be thought, the unthinkable, incomprehensible, impenetrable, that which transcends the limits of thinking and over which therefore one should not ponder.
These 4 unthinkables are:
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the sphere of a Buddha (buddha-visaya),
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of the meditative absorptions (jhāna-visaya),
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of karma-result (kamma-vipāka), and
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brooding over the world (loka-cintā), especially over an absolute first beginning of it
(s. A.IV.77).
"Therefore, o monks, do not brood over the world as to whether it is eternal or temporal, limited or endless .... Such brooding, O monks, is senseless, has nothing to do with genuine pure conduct (s. ādibrahmacariyaka-sīla), does not lead to aversion, detachment, extinction, nor to peace, to full comprehension, enlightenment and Nibbāna, etc." (S.56.41).
Theravāda is a major branch of Buddhism having the the Pali canon (tipitaka) as their canonical literature, which includes the vinaya-pitaka (monastic rules), the sutta-pitaka (Buddhist sermons) and the abhidhamma-pitaka (philosophy and psychology).
See also (Relevant definitions)
Full-text: Four Unthinkable Things, Buddhavishaya, Karmavishaya, Dhyanavishaya, Nagavishaya, Cinteti.
Relevant text
Search found 4 books and stories containing Acinteyya; (plurals include: Acinteyyas). 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)
Appendix 2 - The five incomprehensible things (acintya-dharma) < [Chapter XLI - The Eighteen Special Attributes of the Buddha]
Kamma And Its Fruit (by Nyanaponika Thera)
The Great Chronicle of Buddhas (by Ven. Mingun Sayadaw)
Part 3 - The Buddha’s Delivery of The Tirokuṭṭa Sutta < [Chapter 15 - The buddha’s visit to Rājagaha]
The Buddha and His Teachings (by Narada Thera)