The concept of infinity was also known during Vedic times. They were aware of the basic mathematical properties of infinity and had several words for the concept-chief being ananta, purnam, aditi, and asamkhyata. Asamkhyata is mentioned in the Yajur Veda, and the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad as describing the number of mysteries of Indra as ananta. These two statements are elaborated in the opening lines of the Isha Upanishad (Shukla Yajur Veda). This sholka is as much metaphysical as it is mathematical.
pûrnamadah pûrnamidam pûrnât pûrnamudacyate
pûrnâsya pûrnamadaya pûrnamevâvasishyate
From infinity is born infinity.
When infinity is taken out of infinity,
only infinity is left over.
pûrnamadah pûrnamidam pûrnât pûrnamudacyate
pûrnâsya pûrnamadaya pûrnamevâvasishyate
From infinity is born infinity.
When infinity is taken out of infinity,
only infinity is left over.