Akasadhatu, Ākāsa-dhātu, Akasa-dhatu, Ākāsadhātu: 6 definitions
Introduction:
Akasadhatu 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 Doctrines'space element'; see above and dhātu.
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).
Mahayana (major branch of Buddhism)
Source: academia.edu: A Study and Translation of the GaganagañjaparipṛcchāĀkāśadhātu (आकाशधातु) refers to the “element of space”, according to the Gaganagañjaparipṛcchā: the eighth chapter of the Mahāsaṃnipāta (a collection of Mahāyāna Buddhist Sūtras).—Accordingly, as the Lord said: “[...] It is like this, friends, this great earth is based on water, water is supported by wind, wind is founded on space, but space is dependent on nothing. Thus, among these four elements, namely earth, water, wind, and space (ākāśadhātu), space is more powerful and firmer than any of the other elements, and is not accumulated. Since it is not accumulated, it is neither originated nor destroyed and is stable with its own essence. [...]”.
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.
Tibetan Buddhism (Vajrayana or tantric Buddhism)
Source: OSU Press: Cakrasamvara SamadhiĀkāśadhātu (आकाशधातु) refers to the “element of space” and is associated with Padmajvālanī, according to the Cakrasaṃvara Samādhi [i.e., Cakrasamvara Meditation] ritual often performed in combination with the Cakrasaṃvara Samādhi, which refers to the primary pūjā and sādhanā practice of Newah Mahāyāna-Vajrayāna Buddhists in Nepal.—Accordingly, “[...] Mohavajrī in the eyes. Dveṣavajrī in the ears. Īrṣyāvajrī in the nostrils. Rāgavajrī in the mouth. Sūryavajrī in touch. Aiśvaryavajrī in the seat of all senses. The element of earth, Pātanī. The element of water, Māraṇī. The element of fire, Ākarṣaṇī. The element of wind, Padmanṛtyeśvarī. The element of Space (ākāśadhātu), Padmajvālanī. Thus, the purity of the divinities in the seat of the elements”.
Tibetan Buddhism includes schools such as Nyingma, Kadampa, Kagyu and Gelug. Their primary canon of literature is divided in two broad categories: The Kangyur, which consists of Buddha’s words, and the Tengyur, which includes commentaries from various sources. Esotericism and tantra techniques (vajrayāna) are collected indepently.
General definition (in Buddhism)
Source: WikiPedia: BuddhismSpace element (ākāsa-dhātu): Internal space elements includes bodily orifices such as
- the ears,
- nostrils,
- mouth,
- anus, etc.
Also see: Mahābhūta;
Languages of India and abroad
Pali-English dictionary
Source: BuddhaSasana: Concise Pali-English Dictionaryākāsadhātu : (f.) the element of space, i.e. ether.
Source: Sutta: The Pali Text Society's Pali-English DictionaryĀkāsadhātu refers to: the element of space D.III, 247; M.I, 423; III, 31; A.I, 176; III, 34; Dhs.638. (Page 93)
Note: ākāsadhātu is a Pali compound consisting of the words ākāsa and dhātu.
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.
See also (Relevant definitions)
Partial matches: Dhatu, Akasha.
Starts with: Akashadhatuvipula.
Full-text: Vinnanadhatu, Akasha, Rupa.
Relevant text
Search found 10 books and stories containing Akasadhatu, Ākāsa-dhātu, Akasa-dhatu, Ākāsadhātu; (plurals include: Akasadhatus, dhātus, dhatus, Ākāsadhātus). You can also click to the full overview containing English textual excerpts. Below are direct links for the most relevant articles:
Abhidhamma in Daily Life (by Ashin Janakabhivamsa) (by Ashin Janakabhivamsa)
Part 8 - Intra-atomic space (akasa dhatu) < [Chapter 10 - Rupa (matter)]
The Vipassana Dipani (by Mahathera Ledi Sayadaw)
Vipassana Meditation Course (by Chanmyay Sayadaw)
Part 3 - The Six Elements Explained < [Chapter 3 - Systematic Practice]
A Manual of Abhidhamma (by Nārada Thera)
Analysis of Matter < [Chapter VI - Analysis of Matter]
The Arising of Material Phenomena < [Chapter VI - Analysis of Matter]
The Patthanuddesa Dipani (by Mahathera Ledi Sayadaw)
Introducing Buddhist Abhidhamma (by Kyaw Min, U)
Chapter 3 - Five Groups or Aggregates < [Part 1 - Abhidhamma]