akasha: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very LowSpecialized/Technical/Eclectic
Quick answer
What does “akasha” mean?
In Hindu and Buddhist philosophy, a term for the fundamental space, ether, or spiritual medium that permeates the cosmos and is the substrate of sound and the element of space.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
In Hindu and Buddhist philosophy, a term for the fundamental space, ether, or spiritual medium that permeates the cosmos and is the substrate of sound and the element of space.
In contemporary spiritual and New Age contexts, it refers to a universal library or cosmic record containing all knowledge, events, and experiences (often called the Akashic Records). In fiction and fantasy, it is sometimes used as a magical or energy source.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant national variation in usage; the term is used similarly in both regions within its specialized communities. Differences are more likely between scholarly and popular/esoteric contexts.
Connotations
Equally esoteric, spiritual, or academic in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally rare in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “akasha” in a Sentence
the [noun] of Akashaaccess/read the Akashatap into the AkashaVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “akasha” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- One cannot simply akasha information; one must meditate to access the records.
American English
- She claimed to akasha the ancient history by tapping into the universal field.
adverb
British English
- (No standard adverbial use exists. It would be highly non-standard and poetic.)
American English
- (No standard adverbial use exists. It would be highly non-standard and poetic.)
adjective
British English
- The akashic plane is described as a dimension beyond time.
American English
- His research focuses on akashic principles in esoteric cosmology.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in religious studies, Indology, and some esoteric philosophical writings.
Everyday
Not used in everyday conversation outside of specific spiritual or occult circles.
Technical
Used as a term of art in Theosophy, Anthroposophy, and certain New Age belief systems.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “akasha”
- Misspelling as 'akashic' when referring to the noun form ('akasha'). Using it as a common noun without proper context, leading to confusion.
- Pronouncing it with a hard 'k' at the start instead of a schwa (/ə/).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is a loanword from Sanskrit (आकाश, ākāśa) used in English within specific spiritual, philosophical, and academic contexts. It is not part of general vocabulary.
'Akasha' generally refers to the substance or medium (ether/space). 'Akashic Records' (always capitalized) refers to the specific concept of the information stored within that medium—a sort of cosmic library.
The most common pronunciation is /əˈkɑːʃə/ (uh-KAH-shuh), with the stress on the second syllable and a 'sh' sound.
Only if the paper is within the fields of religious studies, history of ideas, or cultural studies discussing the concept itself. It is not a term used in the physical sciences.
In Hindu and Buddhist philosophy, a term for the fundamental space, ether, or spiritual medium that permeates the cosmos and is the substrate of sound and the element of space.
Akasha is usually specialized/technical/eclectic in register.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'A-KASH-A' rhymes with 'a-dash-of', as in 'a dash of the cosmos' or 'a dash of space'.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE UNIVERSE IS A LIBRARY (for Akashic Records). THE FOUNDATION OF REALITY IS A SUBTLE MEDIUM (for the classical element).
Practice
Quiz
What is the most common contemporary meaning of 'akasha' in spiritual circles?