Akasha

Akasha (also Akshara) denotes, in spiritual and esoteric teaching, the subtle background vibration of the universe, in which – according to this view – all knowledge as well as all possibilities and events are already foreshadowed. Both terms stand for one and the same concept and are treated here together.

What does Akasha mean?

In the understanding of theosophy and anthroposophy, Akasha stands for an all-encompassing, immaterial “substance” or vibration in which every happening is said to be recorded – often designated the Akashic record. It is a spiritual teaching and interpretation, not a scientifically proven fact.

Akasha or Akshara – where does the term come from?

The term Akasha in the meaning common today cannot be demonstrated as such in the Indian source texts. Possibly the theosophists and Rudolf Steiner misunderstood something here around 100 years ago. Closer to their explanation lies – according to this view – the Akshara described in the Rigveda: the background vibration of the universe, in which all possibilities and events are already foreshadowed.

What does the tradition say about Akshara?

In the tradition of Hinduism it holds: whoever feels and grasps this vibration, whoever comes into unison with it, could – so the teaching – comprehend everything, foresee everything, understand every language, as well as sense and comprehend everything. These statements are to be understood as a spiritual view.

Autor: D. Harald Alke