Avidyā
अविद्यास्त्रीलिङ्ग (feminine) · अ (negation) + विद् धातु (vid — to know) + या प्रत्यय
avidyā
Fundamental Concepts
Fundamental ignorance — not knowing who you are
Avidyā is the ignorance that conceals the true nature of ātman. It is not a lack of information — it is a fundamental error of identity: taking oneself to be limited when one is unlimited. Avidyā manifests as adhyāsa (superimposition): attributing to ātman the qualities of body, mind, and ego. The teaching of Vedānta is the only means (pramāṇa) that removes avidyā.
Using this in academic work? Get formal citation
Vishva Vidya (2026). Avidyā (अविद्या). Vishva Vidya — Vedanta. https://vedanta.com.br/en/glossary/avidya
Vishva Vidya. "Avidyā (अविद्या)." Vishva Vidya — Vedanta, January 1, 2026, https://vedanta.com.br/en/glossary/avidya.
Vishva Vidya. "Avidyā (अविद्या)." Vishva Vidya — Vedanta, January 1, 2026. https://vedanta.com.br/en/glossary/avidya.
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