Akhaya, Akhāya: 2 definitions
Introduction:
Akhaya means something in Jainism, Prakrit. 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 Jainism
General definition (in Jainism)
Source: SOAS Research Online: Prekṣā meditation: History and MethodsAkhaya (अखय) or “imperishable” refers to one of the 46 qualities of the soul to be meditated on in the “Practice of Meditation on Liberated Souls (Siddhas)”, according to Jain texts like Ācārāṅga (5.6.123-140), Ṣaṭkhaṇḍāgama (13.5.4.31) and Samayasāra (1.49).—The pure soul can be recognised by meditation on its true nature, represented by the liberated souls of the Siddhas. The practice which leads to this realisation is meditation on the fact that attachment, aversion, passions and the influx of karmas, are ‘not mine’, that I am separate from them and consist of infinite knowledge, perception, conduct, spiritual energy, that I am the pure, enlightened, and everlasting soul. The qualities of the soul to be meditated on as truly mine are: [e.g., My soul is imperishable (akhaya)] [...] The meditation on such extended fourty-five qualities of the pure soul presents the niśacaya-naya, which is aligned with Kundakunda’s approach.
Jainism is an Indian religion of Dharma whose doctrine revolves around harmlessness (ahimsa) towards every living being. The two major branches (Digambara and Svetambara) of Jainism stimulate self-control (or, shramana, ‘self-reliance’) and spiritual development through a path of peace for the soul to progess to the ultimate goal.
Languages of India and abroad
Prakrit-English dictionary
Source: DDSA: Paia-sadda-mahannavo; a comprehensive Prakrit Hindi dictionaryAkhāya (अखाय) in the Prakrit language is related to the Sanskrit word: Akhāta.
Prakrit is an ancient language closely associated with both Pali and Sanskrit. Jain literature is often composed in this language or sub-dialects, such as the Agamas and their commentaries which are written in Ardhamagadhi and Maharashtri Prakrit. The earliest extant texts can be dated to as early as the 4th century BCE although core portions might be older.
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Search found 2 books and stories containing Akhaya, Akhāya; (plurals include: Akhayas, Akhāyas). You can also click to the full overview containing English textual excerpts. Below are direct links for the most relevant articles:
Preksha meditation: History and Methods (by Samani Pratibha Pragya)
3.1.3. The Practice of Meditation on Liberated Souls (Siddhas) < [Chapter 3 - The History of Meditation in Terāpanth]
Studies in Ethnobotany of ‘Nath’ of Bundelkhand region (by Praveen Kumar Khare)