Significance of Abhava
Abhava is a concept in Vyakarana and Vedanta that denotes non-existence or absence. In Vyakarana, it refers to aspects of reality that do not exist, highlighting the absence of being that can be created or destroyed. It also discusses non-existence in relation to bhava and eternal Reality, emphasizing its distinctive nature. In Vedanta, Abhava reflects the absence from a textual context and serves as a lens for understanding the differences between the Self and others.
Synonyms: Absence, Nonexistence, Void, Nothingness
In Dutch: Abhava; In Finnish: Abhava; In Spanish: Abhava
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Hindu concept of 'Abhava'
Abhava in Hinduism signifies non-existence, addressing its impact on bhava. It embodies the absence of being, contrasting with eternal reality, and highlights perspectives on the distinction between the Self and others within existence.
From: Vakyapadiya of Bhartrihari
(1) A term representing negative existence, associated with past and future times and understood as a residual trace.[1] (2) A term indicating non-existence; referring to aspects of reality that do not actually exist.[2] (3) Refers to non-existence; it represents the absence of being or reality that can be produced or destroyed.[3] (4) The concept of non-existence referenced in the context of the eternal Reality being eternal and free from this notion.[4] (5) A term indicative of a universal that shares common characteristics with other relevant concepts.[5]
From: Taittiriya Upanishad Bhashya Vartika
(1) A category representing negative or non-existent facts, acknowledged by the Naiyayika.[6] (2) The term used to denote non-existence or absence within the context of the text.[7] (3) A term for absence or non-being, which is the perspective some may take on the nature of difference between the Self and others.[8]
From: Padarthadharmasamgraha and Nyayakandali
(1) A concept that would seem to relate to being-ness but is noted for causing incongruity within the context of the six categories.[9]
The concept of Abhava in local and regional sources
Abhava is a term denoting emptiness and non-existence, highlighting concepts of void or absence in various contexts, particularly in discussions around philosophy and metaphysics.
From: Sanskrit Words In Southeast Asian Languages
(1) A term that signifies emptiness and non-existence.[10]
From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda
(1) Abhava is one of the two divisions of Yoga, where the individual's self is meditated upon as zero, without any qualities.[11]