Asat
असत्नपुंसकलिङ्ग (neuter) · अ प्रत्यय (a — negation) + सत् (sat — existence)
asat
Fundamental Concepts
Absolute non-existence — that which can never be
Asat is complete non-existence — like a 'rabbit's horn' or 'a barren woman's son'. It never existed, does not exist, and will never exist. In Vedānta, the world (jagat) is not asat — it appears, is experienced, and therefore is not absolutely non-existent. It is mithyā (dependent). The Bhagavad Gītā (2.16) teaches: 'nāsato vidyate bhāvaḥ' — from the non-existent, no existence arises.
Using this in academic work? Get formal citation
Vishva Vidya (2026). Asat (असत्). Vishva Vidya — Vedanta. https://vedanta.com.br/en/glossary/asat
Vishva Vidya. "Asat (असत्)." Vishva Vidya — Vedanta, January 1, 2026, https://vedanta.com.br/en/glossary/asat.
Vishva Vidya. "Asat (असत्)." Vishva Vidya — Vedanta, January 1, 2026. https://vedanta.com.br/en/glossary/asat.
Related terms
Want to study Vedānta in depth?
Learn about our study programs →