Significance of Imagination
Synonyms: Creativity, Fantasy, Vision, Ingenuity, Resourcefulness, Daydreaming, Inspiration, Originality, Artistry
In Dutch: Verbeelding; In Finnish: Mielikuvitus; In Spanish: Imaginación
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Imagination'
In Buddhism, Imagination signifies mental constructs that distort reality, fostering misconceptions about existence and self. These conceptual fabrications can hinder clarity and understanding, emphasizing the need for awareness in overcoming such illusions.
From: Lankavatara Sutra
(1) Conceptual fabrications generated by the mind that do not represent reality, often leading to misunderstandings about existence and identity.[1]
Hindu concept of 'Imagination'
In Hinduism, Imagination, or 'Kalpana', is a mental process shaping reality, creating false perceptions, and forming unreal concepts. It reflects the distorting nature of Maya and influences one's understanding of existence and perception.
From: Yoga-sutras (with Vyasa and Vachaspati Mishra)
(1) Imagination is the mental capability to form new ideas or concepts that are not immediately presented to the senses.[2] (2) The mental faculty that allows for the creation of images and concepts not currently present in reality.[3] (3) A cognitive process that can generate forms of cognition that are generally accepted, differing from unreal cognition.[4] (4) The mental process that can distort perception of reality, leading to untrue or fanciful knowledge.[5]
From: Yoga-sutras (Ancient and Modern Interpretations)
(1) Known as vikalpa, this is the mental process of forming images, ideas, or concepts that are not necessarily based in reality.[6]
From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4
(1) The mental faculty that creates images or concepts and is often confused with reality.[7] (2) The mental process that creates perceptions and beliefs about existence, often misleading the individual about the true nature of reality.[8] (3) A mental process that creates images and concepts, often leading to the perception of things that lack real existence.[9]
From: Mandukya Upanishad (Gaudapa Karika and Shankara Bhashya)
(1) The mental faculty that perceives unreal or false notions, such as perceiving a snake where there is only a rope.[10] (2) The mental process through which the Atman conceives and shapes both internal and external realities, also referred to as 'Kalpana'.[11]
From: Mandukya Upanishad
(1) Imagination describes the Maya or the forgetting that allows the Absolute to project the illusions and diversity of Creation.[12]
From: Naishadha-charita of Shriharsha
(1) Cognitive aspect that influences Nala’s experiences and feelings about Damayanti amidst uncertainty.[13]
From: Sahitya-kaumudi by Baladeva Vidyabhushana
(1) In the context of atishayokti, it refers to the conceptualization of an impossible event, often prefaced by 'if'.[14]
The concept of Imagination in local and regional sources
Imagination is a crucial faculty for personal connection to the world, fostering a sense of unity and oneness, as articulated by Tagore, highlighting its importance in human experience and emotional depth.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) A vital faculty that enables personal connection to the world and creates feelings of oneness, according to Tagore.[15]