Anupalambhashunyata, Anupalambhaśūnyatā, Anupalambha-shunyata: 1 definition

Introduction:

Anupalambhashunyata 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.

The Sanskrit term Anupalambhaśūnyatā can be transliterated into English as Anupalambhasunyata or Anupalambhashunyata, using the IAST transliteration scheme (?).

In Buddhism

Mahayana (major branch of Buddhism)

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

Anupalambhaśūnyatā (अनुपलम्भशून्यता) or simply Anupalambha refers to the “emptiness of non-perception”, representing one of the sixteen or eighteen emptinesses (śūnyatā), according to the 2nd century Mahāprajñāpāramitāśāstra chapter XLVIII. Accordingly, “what is the emptiness of non-perception (anupalambhaśūnyatā)? It is that where neither the past nor the future nor the duration of the present are perceived. Non-perception is empty of non-perception because it is neither eternal nor transitory. Why? Because such is its essence. That is called: emptiness of non-perception (anupalambha-śūnyatā)”.

Emptiness of non-perception (anupalambhaśūnyatā).—Some say: In the aggregates (skandha), the elements (dhātu) and the bases of consciousness (āyatana), no self (ātman), no eternal dharma (nityadharma) is to be perceived: that is emptiness of non-perception (anupalambhaśūnyatā). Others say: If one looks for some dharma in causes and conditions (pratītya-samutpāda), it is never perceived, just as the fist (muṣṭi) is not perceived in the five fingers (aṅguli). Others say: All dharmas and their causes and conditions (hetupratyaya) are absolutely non-perceived (atyantānupalabdha): that is what emptiness of non-perception is (anupalambhaśūnyatā).

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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