An () is a Sanskrit word for the number 10140 or alternatively for the number as it is described in the Avatamsaka Sutra. The value of the number is different depending upon the translation. It is in the translation of Buddhabhadra, in that of Shikshananda and in that of Thomas Cleary, who may have made an error in calculation. In these religious traditions, the word has the meaning of 'Incalculable or Countless'.

Asaṃkhyeya is a Sanskrit word that appears often in Buddhist and Hindu texts. For example: Shakyamuni Buddha is said to have practiced every Bodhisattva actions for 4 Asaṃkhyeya kalpas before becoming a Buddha. Kassapa Buddha is said to have practiced 10 perfections for 8 Asaṃkhyeya kalpas before becoming a Buddha. Dipankara Buddha is said to have completed 10 Pāramitās for 16 Asaṃkhyeya kalpas before becoming a Buddha..

It is also found as names of the Hindu Gods Shiva and Vishnu in their sahasranamas respectively.

See also History of large numbers

References