Significance of Space
Synonyms: Cosmos, Universe, Expanse, Void, Emptiness, Area, Room, Distance, Interval, Breadth, Firmament, Ether, Outer space.
In German: Raum; In Dutch: Ruimte; In Finnish: Avaruus; In Spanish: Espacio; In Swedish: Utrymme; In Malay: Angkasa; In French: Espace
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Space'
In Buddhism, Space can be interpreted as the foundational dimension for cosmic existence, symbolizing the boundless nature of ultimate reality, while also serving as a non-entity that limits material forms and interactions.
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) A metaphor for the limitless and ungraspable nature of ultimate reality.[1] (2) The fundamental underlying dimension where cosmological entities exist and events unfold.[2]
From: A Manual of Abhidhamma
(1) The non-entity that acts as a limiting condition for material groups.[3]
Hindu concept of 'Space'
In Hinduism, Space, or akasha, signifies the absence of obstruction, differentiates objects, is a tangible entity supporting sound, represents the cyclical nature of time, and embodies the vastness that underlies all existence and phenomena.
From: Brahma Sutras (Shankaracharya)
(1) This refers to the absence of something covering or occupying a certain area, a concept included within the triad, which is later refuted within the provided text.[4] (2) Space, also known as ether or akasha, is considered a real thing, as demonstrated by scriptural passages and the quality of sound, differing from non-entities and allowing for the existence of multiple entities.[5]
From: Taittiriya Upanishad Bhashya Vartika
(1) In the context of akasha providing space, it symbolizes the vast, all-encompassing nature of existence as a backdrop for all phenomena.[6]
From: Vakyapadiya of Bhartrihari
(1) Space distinguishes objects from one another by allotting to them particular regions, allowing differentiation among the universe's objects.[7]
From: Satapatha-brahmana
(1) Referred to as Saptadasha and linked to Prajapati, the term signifies both the physical year and a conceptual space encompassing time and existence.[8]
Jain concept of 'Space'
In Jainism, Space (akasha) is conceptualized as a directional entity that serves as the ultimate support for all elements, encompassing the atmosphere and earth, facilitating the existence and transformation of substances while remaining inactive itself.
From: Tattvartha Sutra (with commentary)
(1) The ultimate support for all other elements, which is mentioned as encompassing the atmosphere and the earths.[9] (2) Referred to as 'akasha', it is the medium that accommodates substances and helps them change states, although itself is without activity.[10] (3) Referred to as akasha dravya, it represents the physical expanse within which substances exist.[11] (4) Includes direction and is framed by conventional understandings like east and west.[12]
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) Referred to as Akashastikaya, an essential aspect of the aggregates studied.[13]
The concept of Space in local and regional sources
Space, as outlined in the text, is a fundamental entity in the Bhagavati Sutra, pivotal in accommodation and differentiation. It intersects with elements such as air and governs sensory functions, existing within the conditioned realm linked to time and causation.
From: History of Science in South Asia
(1) This is an area.[14] (2) Space is one of the five realities or fundamental entities, according to the Bhagavati Sutra, and it is responsible for providing accommodation, with an indivisible part called a space-point, and is comprised of infinite such points.[15] (3) Space is a fifth element introduced, governing the ears, nostrils, and mouth, and its functions overlap with air, potentially derived from air.[16] (4) Space is the fifth element placed in the middle of the mandala, and the purpose of the eight men was the accomplishment of space.[17]
From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda
(1) Space is a concept that does not exist in the Unconditioned, but it is present when the Unconditioned becomes conditioned, and it relates to causation and time.[18] (2) Along with time and causation, it serves as a differentiating factor, setting apart various entities and contributing to their distinct characteristics within the framework of reality.[19]