Lakshanashunyata, Lakṣaṇaśūnyatā, Lakshana-shunyata: 2 definitions
Introduction:
Lakshanashunyata 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 Lakṣaṇaśūnyatā can be transliterated into English as Laksanasunyata or Lakshanashunyata, using the IAST transliteration scheme (?).
In Buddhism
Mahayana (major branch of Buddhism)
Source: Wisdom Library: Maha Prajnaparamita SastraLakṣaṇaśūnyatā (लक्षणशून्यता) refers to the “emptiness of characteristics”, according to the 2nd century Mahāprajñāpāramitāśāstra chapter XLVIII. All dharmas have two kinds of characteristics (lakṣaṇa), i) shared characteristics (sāmānyalakṣaṇa) and ii) specific characteristics (svalakṣaṇa). These two kinds of characteristics being empty, the Prajñāpāramitāsūtra speaks here of the ‘emptiness of characteristics’ (lakṣanaśūnyatā). What are the shared characteristics and what are the specific characteristics? Answer.—The shared characteristics are impermanence (anityatā), etc., for example. The specific characteristics, in the sense that dharmas, although they are impermanent, each possess their own specific characteristic. Thus, for the earth (pṛthivī), it is solidity (khakkhaṭatva), for fire, it is heat (uṣṇatva).
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.
General definition (in Buddhism)
Source: Wisdom Library: Dharma-samgrahaLakṣaṇaśūnyatā (लक्षणशून्यता) or simply lakṣaṇa refers to “marked emptiness” one of the “twenty emptinesses” (śūnyatā) as defined in the Dharma-saṃgraha (section 41). The Dharma-samgraha (Dharmasangraha) is an extensive glossary of Buddhist technical terms in Sanskrit (e.g., lakṣaṇa-śūnyatā). The work is attributed to Nagarjuna who lived around the 2nd century A.D.
See also (Relevant definitions)
Partial matches: Lakshana, Shunyata.
Ends with: Alakshanashunyata, Sulakshanashunyata, Svalakshanashunyata.
Full-text: Sulakshanashunyata, Svalakshanashunyata, Shunyata, Lakshana.
Relevant text
Search found 3 books and stories containing Lakshanashunyata, Lakṣaṇaśūnyatā, Lakshana-shunyata, Lakṣaṇa-śūnyatā, Laksana-sunyata, Laksanasunyata; (plurals include: Lakshanashunyatas, Lakṣaṇaśūnyatās, shunyatas, śūnyatās, sunyatas, Laksanasunyatas). You can also click to the full overview containing English textual excerpts. Below are direct links for the most relevant articles:
Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra (by Gelongma Karma Migme Chödrön)
Emptiness 13: Emptiness of specific characteristics < [Chapter XLVIII - The Eighteen Emptinesses]
IV. The emptinesses (śūnyatā) in the great Prajñāpāramitā-sūtras < [Note on emptiness (śūnyatā)]
Mahayana Buddhism and Early Advaita Vedanta (Study) (by Asokan N.)
A History of Indian Philosophy Volume 1 (by Surendranath Dasgupta)
Part 13 - Uncompromising Idealism or the School of Vijñānavāda Buddhism < [Chapter V - Buddhist Philosophy]