Anityasamjna, Anityasaṃjñā, Anitya-samjna: 1 definition

Introduction:

Anityasamjna 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

Mahayana (major branch of Buddhism)

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

Anityasaṃjñā (अनित्यसंज्ञा) refers to the “concept of impermanence” and represents one of the “ten concepts” (saṃjñā), according to the 2nd century Mahāprajñāpāramitāśāstra chapter 37. Accordingly, “the concept associated with the wisdom that considers all conditioned dharmas (saṃskṛtadharma) to be impermanent (anitya) is called the concept of impermanence (anityasaṃjñā)”.

The Yogin who possesses this concept of impermanence (anityasaṃjñā) converts beings, saying to them: “All dharmas are impermanent; do not become attached to the notion of eternalism; you will then lose the opportunity to practice the Path”.

The concept of impermanence (anityasaṃjñā) is synonymous with the noble Path (āryamārga). The Buddha designated the Path by all kinds of different names: sometimes he called it the four foundations of mindfulness, sometimes he called it the four Truths, sometimes the notion of impermanence.

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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