The Avatamsaka Sutra (sometimes called the Flower Garland Sutra) is one of the better-known Buddhist scriptures. In the 30th chapter, the Buddha teaches a king the concept of large numbers.
The Buddha begins by calculating:
1010 * 1010 = 1020
1020 * 1020 = 1040
1040 * 1040 = 1080
1080 * 1080 = 10160
10160 * 10160 = 10320
...
He continues until 10101,493,392,610,318,652,755,325,638,410,240, at which he states, "that number squared is an incalculable." The Buddha then names the following:
Incalculable4 = Measureless
Measureless4 = Boundless
Boundless4 = Incomparable
Incomparable4 = Innumerable
Innumerable4 = Unaccountable
Unaccountable4 = Unthinkable
Unthinkable4 = Immeasurable
Immeasurable4 = Unspeakable
Unspeakable4 = Untold
The "Untold" number is between the first Skewes number and a Dakillion.
External links
- Avatamsaka Sutra on Wikipedia
- Chapter 30 of the Avatamsaka Sutra with notes
- An analysis of the numbers named in the sutra
See also
Indian counting system: Lakh · Crore · Tallakshana · Uppala · Dvajagravati · Paduma · Mahakathana · Asankhyeya · Dvajagranisamani · Vahanaprajnapti · Inga · Kuruta · Sarvanikshepa · Agrasara · Uttaraparamanurajahpravesa · Avatamsaka Sutra · Nirabhilapya nirabhilapya parivarta · Jaghanya Parīta Asaṃkhyāta
Chinese, Japanese and Korean counting system: Wan · Yi · Zhao · Jing · Gai · Zi · Rang · Gou · Jian · Zheng · Zai · Ji · Gougasha · Asougi · Nayuta · Fukashigi · Muryoutaisuu
See also: Template:Googology in Japan