In the Abhidharmakośa , time units finish with "year" (…
““In the Abhidharmakośa , time units finish with "year" ( saṃvatsara ). There is, however, another enormous unit of time that we could add, the kalpa , which is so long that it cannot be calculated in years. (The Chinese transliterated kalpa as kiap and translated it as "great time." In the Japanese game of Go there is a rule known as kō [Japanese for kiap ] to prevent stalemates through constant repetition. Without it, the game could continue indefinitely.)””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Time scales in Buddhist cosmology include vast units like the kalpa, illustrating concepts of impermanence and the endless cycles of existence.
In simple terms: Kalpa represents an incomprehensibly long time.
Key Takeaway
Reflect on the vastness of time.
Themes
time
cosmology
impermanence
Buddhist philosophy
Mood
contemplative
philosophical
Type
Buddhist-cosmology:1
Clock:0
Time:1
Years Chinese:0
Unit Time:0
Abhidharmakośa Time:0
Time Units:0
Time Japanese:0
When to use this quote
- meditation
- study of texts
- comparative religion
Key Concepts
philosophy of time
spiritual reflection
cultural concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How does contemplating immense time affect daily life?
- What does impermanence teach you?
A Different Perspective
Kalpa is abstract and hard to grasp.