Significance of Figures of speech
Figures of speech are literary devices employed across various Indian philosophical traditions to convey meanings in a non-literal and imaginative way. In Jainism, Tibetan Buddhism, Arthashastra, and others, these expressions enhance understanding of complex ideas and emotions through metaphors, analogies, and artistic flair. They serve to illustrate deeper truths, evoke imagery, and enrich poetic language. Each tradition offers unique perspectives on these rhetorical devices, emphasizing their importance in expressing intricate spiritual and philosophical concepts.
Synonyms: Figurative language
In Dutch: Stijlfiguren
In Finnish: Puheen hahmot
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Figures of speech'
In Buddhism, figures of speech encompass non-literal expressions that symbolize causal relationships, evoke deeper truths, and employ collective terms, showcasing how metaphor enriches understanding of complex philosophical concepts.
From: Tattvasangraha [with commentary]
(1) Expressions that convey meanings in a non-literal way, often used to add emphasis or artistic flair.[1] (2) Expressions that convey meaning through metaphorical language, illustrating deeper truths beyond literal interpretations.[2] (3) Referencing metaphorical expressions, such as ‘the Weaver’ in the analogy, illustrating complex philosophical ideas.[3] (4) Expressions that are not meant to be taken literally; in this case, 'Smoke' and 'Fire' serve as metaphors for understanding causal relationships.[4] (5) Expressions like 'forest' used to illustrate how collective terms are applied to entities, reflecting on the brevity of language in relation to the chain.[5]
Hindu concept of 'Figures of speech'
Figures of speech in Hinduism encompass rhetorical devices that enhance poetic expression, including similes and metaphors. These elements convey complex meanings, evoke imagery, and illustrate spiritual truths within literary and religious contexts, as discussed by various poets and texts.
From: Kavyamimamsa of Rajasekhara (Study)
(1) Alamkaras are rhetorical devices that enhance the interpretation of texts and are vital for poets in their craft.[6] (2) Rhetorical devices that poets use to enhance expression; poets are advised to select them thoughtfully, especially in romantic contexts.[7] (3) Elements like anuprasha (alliteration) and Upama (simile) used in poetry to enhance its linguistic beauty.[8] (4) Literary devices used to convey meaning in an imaginative way, as discussed in the Alamkara section of the Agni-Purana.[9] (5) Literary devices and expressions discussed in the fifth and sixth chapters of Hemachandra's work, which involve both sound (shabda) and meaning (artha).[10]
From: Sahitya-kaumudi by Baladeva Vidyabhushana
(1) Expressions used to convey meanings in creative and illustrative ways; can be classified into ordinary and literary.[11] (2) The use of language in a non-literal or creative way, including metaphors, similes, and other rhetorical devices.[12] (3) The stylistic and rhetorical techniques used to enhance the meaning and impact of language within poetry.[13]
From: Natyashastra (English)
(1) Various rhetorical devices utilized in literature and poetry to enhance expression and convey deeper meanings.[14] (2) The earliest discussions on literary devices presented in the Natyashastra, focusing on the theory of Sentiments.[15]
From: Dasarupaka (critical study)
(1) Literary devices used in dramaturgy as discussed in the Natyashastra.[16] (2) Literary devices identified within poetry and performance in the Natyashastra, affecting emotional expression.[17]
From: Mudrarakshasa (literary study)
(1) Literary devices used to convey meanings in a non-literal way, enhancing the thematic depth of the dialogue.[18] (2) These rhetorical devices enhance the expressiveness of poetry but fall under the categorization of alamkaras rather than essential gunas.[19]
From: Hanuman Nataka (critical study)
(1) Rhetorical devices used in poetry and literature to enhance expression and meaning through embellishment and stylistic variations.[20]
From: Harshacharita (socio-cultural Study)
(1) Rhetorical devices employed by Bana to enhance the expressive quality of his writing.[21] (2) Figures of speech such as puns, similes, and metaphors are stylistic devices incorporated into prose to add depth and creativity.[22]
From: Naishadha-charita of Shriharsha
(1) Narayana's commentary does not engage with figures of speech, focusing instead on interpretation.[23]
From: Jarasandhavadha Mahakavyam
(1) Expressions that convey meanings in a non-literal way, which can be challenging to translate accurately.[24]
From: Dvisahasri of Tembesvami (Summary and Study)
(1) Creative language techniques employed by H. H. Tembesvami in Dvisahasri to enhance the poetic expression and meaning.[25]
From: Malatimadhava (study)
(1) Rhetorical devices used in language to convey meanings in imaginative and expressive ways.[26]
From: Vasudevavijaya of Vasudeva (Study)
(1) Rhetorical devices illustrated in Bhattikavya, helping to convey meaning and artistic expression.[27] (2) Rhetorical devices employed in the poetic aspects of Bhattikavya, enhancing its literary quality.[28] (3) Expressive language forms that convey meanings or create effects beyond the literal interpretation.[29] (4) Rhetorical devices and stylistic figures discussed and exemplified in Bhattikavya.[30]
From: Vakyapadiya of Bhartrihari
(1) Linguistic devices that embellish language but are mentioned to differentiate from the idea of upacarasatta, stating that not all conveyance of meaning through words are figurative.[31] (2) Linguistic expressions that use metaphors or similes to convey meaning in a figurative manner.[32]
From: Brahma Sutras (Ramanuja)
(1) Metaphorical expressions used to convey complex transformations and relationships between elements (like fire, water, and earth) to explain philosophical concepts.[33] (2) Metaphorical expressions used in reference to Brahman, like having joy for its head.[34]
From: Mandukya Upanishad (Gaudapa Karika and Shankara Bhashya)
(1) The understanding that various effects consist of mere names and are not the ultimate reality, similar to the illusions of clay.[35]
From: Taittiriya Upanishad
(1) Figures of speech are used to imagine the Anandamaya's components, facilitating contemplation and comprehension of complex spiritual concepts.[36]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (Shankara Bhashya)
(1) Expressions used to convey meanings that are not literally true, often employed in literature and rhetoric.[37]
From: Shishupala-vadha (Study)
(1) Artistic expressions used in poetry that enhance the meaning and evoke emotions.[38] (2) Literary devices used to convey meanings in a more imaginative or evocative manner within poetic compositions.[39]
From: Hitopadesha (English translation)
(1) Includes metaphorical phrases which provide deeper meanings and concepts within the narrative.[40]
From: Matsya Purana (critical study)
(1) Rhetorical devices used to enhance the beauty and effectiveness of poetry, similar to sentiment.[41]
From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4
(1) Important metaphors and analogies used to illustrate spiritual concepts and the nature of the mind and desires.[42]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) Expressions used in the context of interpreting Vedic rituals, where actions are described in metaphorical terms to convey deeper meanings.[43] (2) Implied meanings or nativities within the language of Vedic texts that may guide interpretation and understanding.[44]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) Language used in a non-literal way to convey complex meanings or evoke imagery.[45] (2) Expressions used in the scripture that may invoke deeper meanings or allegories.[46]
From: Narayaniya (Narayaneeyam)
(1) Stylistic elements used in the discourse to illustrate deeper spiritual truths.[47]
From: Charaka Samhita (English translation)
(1) Metaphorical language used to describe therapeutic processes and their effects in a vivid manner.[48]
Jain concept of 'Figures of speech'
In Jainism, Figures of speech represent metaphorical expressions that illustrate knowledge's multifaceted nature, emphasizing how understanding can vary across different contexts and perceptions, enriching the comprehension of spiritual and philosophical concepts.
From: Tattvartha Sutra (with commentary)
(1) Refers to figurative or metaphorical expressions in the description of knowledge, demonstrating how knowledge can be viewed through different contexts or dimensions.[49]
The concept of Figures of speech in local and regional sources
Figures of speech encompass rhetorical and literary devices that enhance expression in poetry and prose, playing a significant role in Indian poetics, effectively conveying emotions, imagery, and deeper meanings while varying in their effectiveness across different literary forms.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) Rhetorical devices used to convey meaning or create effects in poetry, integral to the aesthetics of expression.[50] (2) Literary devices used by Bhatnagar, such as irony and paradox, to enhance the themes and meanings in his poetry.[51] (3) Literary devices such as metaphor, hyperbole, and naturalistic utterances that enhance poetic expression.[52] (4) Linguistic tools such as similes and metaphors used to convey meaning and enhance expression in literature.[53] (5) Anand frequently employs various figures of speech in his writing to effectively convey emotion and highlight the stark realities faced by his characters.[54]
From: Tibet (Myth, Religion and History)
(1) Metaphorical expressions used to convey deeper meanings regarding the origins of letters and elements.[55]