Lakshya
/ˈlʌk.ʃjə/noun
A goal, target, or intended objective, especially in Indian philosophy, spirituality, and martial traditions.
Did you know?In Sanskrit thought, lakṣya is not merely a wish but an object of focused attention, while lakṣaṇa refers to the defining mark by which something is recognized.
Etymological Timeline
Vedic Sanskrit
Sanskrit
√lakṣ
“To perceive, mark, notice, or aim at; the verbal root underlying the idea of directed attention.”
Classical Sanskrit
Sanskrit
lakṣya
“That which is aimed at, observed, marked, or intended; a target or objective.”
Classical Sanskrit
Sanskrit
lakṣaṇa
“A mark, sign, characteristic, or defining feature; a related formation from the same Sanskrit root.”
Medieval and Early Modern Indian Languages
Hindi and related languages
lakshya / lakṣya
“A goal, aim, objective, or target.”
Modern English
English
lakshya
“A loanword used in discussions of Indian philosophy, meditation, yoga, education, strategy, and personal goals.”