anilambha

 Anilambha in Sanskrit generally means "independent," "unsupported," or "without any support," and is also used in philosophical or meditative contexts as the name of a specific kind of meditation or samādhi.

Definitions and Etymology

• Independent / Unsupported: The word is derived
• from ‘a-’ (negation) + ‘nilambha’ (support or rest), so literally
• it signifies “without support” or “unsupported”, implying 
• self-sufficiency or independence in various contexts 

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• Meditative Samādhi: In Buddhist literature, Anilambha refers 
• to a particular state of meditation or samādhi that is unattached 
• and unobstructed, often described as devoid of any object, marks, 
• or characteristics. It emphasizes a mental state that is unhindered
• and not reliant on external conditions 

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• Kalpa Name / Philosophical Use: The term also appears as the
• name of a kalpa (an eon or time cycle) or in certain scriptural 
• compounds, extending its use beyond literal meaning to symbolic 
• or spiritual significance 

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Synonymous Interpretations in Sanskrit Contexts

• Unobtainable / Unachievable: Some sources translate the 
• meditative sense of Anilambha as “something that cannot be 
• grasped or attained”

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• Unattached / Unconditioned: It conveys a state of complete 
• detachment, free from worldly dependencies or desires.
• Devoid of Marks or Characteristics: Philosophically, it can describe
• experiences or phenomena that are beyond ordinary categorizations,
• highlighting the transcendental nature of the mind in meditation 

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Usage Contexts

• In Sanskrit texts and dictionaries, Anilambha may be encountered 
• as an adjective, noun, or as a specific technical term in spiritual
• literature.

In summary, Anilambha signifies independence or absence of support

in everyday language, and in spiritual literature, it represents a state 

of meditative detachment and mind free from attachment, marks,

or obstacles. This term bridges ordinary linguistic meaning with 

metaphysical and meditative philosophy in Sanskrit contexts 

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