Akkhaṇa, Akkhāna: 3 definitions

Introduction:

Akkhaṇa means something in Buddhism, Pali, 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.

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Pali-English dictionary

[«previous next»] — Akkhaṇa in Pali glossary
Source: BuddhaSasana: Concise Pali-English Dictionary

akkhaṇa : (m.) inappropriate time. || akkhaṇā (f.), a lightning.

Source: Sutta: The Pali Text Society's Pali-English Dictionary

Akkhaṇa, (a + khaṇa, BSk. akṣaṇa AvŚ I.291 = 332) wrong time, bad luck, misadventure, misfortune. There are 9 enumerated at D.III, 263; the usual set consists of 8; thus D.III, 287; VvA.193; Sdhp.4 sq. See also khaṇa.

In BSk. we find akṣuṇṇavedha (a Sanskritised Pāli form, cp. Mathurā kṣuṇa = Sk. kṣaṇa) at Divy 58, 100, 442 (always with dūrevedha), where MSS. however read ak‹-› ṣuṇa°; also at Lal. Vist. 178. See Divy Index, where translation is given as “an act of throwing the spear so as to graze the mark” (Schiefner gives “Streifschuss”). -

Note. The explanations are not satisfactory. We should expect either an etym. bearing on the meaning “hitting the centre of the target” (i. e. its “eye”) (cp. E. bull’s eye), in which case a direct relation to akkha = akkhi eye would not seem improbable (cp. formation ikkhana) or an etym. like “hitting without mishap”, in which case the expression would be derived directly from ak khaṇa (see prec.) with the omission of the neg. an-; akkhaṇa in the meaning of “lightning” (J.II, 91 C.) is not supported by literary evidence. (Page 2)

— or —

Akkhāna, (nt.) (Sk. ākhyāna) telling stories, recitation; tale, legend D.I, 6 (= DA.I, 84: Bhārata-Rāmāyanādi); III, 183; M.I, 503; III, 167; Sdhp. 237. — preaching, teaching Nd1 91 (dhamm°). The 5th Veda J.V, 450. (vedam akkhānapañcamaṃ; C: itihāsapañcamaṃ vedacatukkaṃ). — The spelling ākhyāna also occurs (q. v.). (Page 2)

Pali book cover
context information

Pali is the language of the Tipiṭaka, which is the sacred canon of Theravāda Buddhism and contains much of the Buddha’s speech. Closeley related to Sanskrit, both languages are used interchangeably between religions.

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Prakrit-English dictionary

[«previous next»] — Akkhaṇa in Prakrit glossary
Source: DDSA: Paia-sadda-mahannavo; a comprehensive Prakrit Hindi dictionary

Akkhāṇa (अक्खाण) in the Prakrit language is related to the Sanskrit word: Ākhyāna.

context information

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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