anāsrāva

 "Anāsrāva" (अनास्राव) in Sanskrit literally means "absence of outflow" and is used in spiritual and philosophical contexts to denote a state free from karmic inflows or mental impurities.

Etymology and Literal Meaning:

The word is a compound of "an-" (negative prefix, meaning "without") 

and "āsrāva" (derived from the root √srāv, meaning “to flow” or

“outflow”). Hence, anāsrāva literally translates to “no outflow”

or “cessation of flow”.

Philosophical Context:

In classical Indian philosophy, particularly in Yoga philosophy, 

anāsrāva refers to the eradication or cessation of karmic inflows or 

passions that ensure the soul does not accrue new karma. It is often

described as a qualitative mental state or achievement of virtue 

where defilements no longer accumulate, leading eventually to 

liberation (moksha or kevala).

Practical Implication:

Achieving anāsrāva is considered essential in both ethical and

meditative practice, implying control over desires, emotions, and

mental turbulence so that the practitioner stops generating new

karmic consequences. It represents a state of inner equanimity 

and spiritual purity.

Related Concepts:

• Āsrava: the karmic or mental “outflow” itself
• Samvara (Jainism): the preventive discipline to achieve cessation
• of karmic influx

In essence, anāsrāva is both a philosophical ideal and a meditative 

goal, signifying freedom from the continuous flow of karmic or 

mental impurities.